Josh Babarinde, the Member of Parliament, Calls for Domestic Abuse to Be Recognised as a Specific Criminal Offence in UK Law

Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament (MP) Josh Babarinde has called for a change in the law to make domestic abuse a specific criminal offence, drawing on his own childhood experiences of violence to highlight the need for reform. Speaking in the United Kingdom (UK) Parliament, the Eastbourne representative urged the government to introduce a standalone offence that would formally recognise domestic abuse in criminal law, arguing that the current framework fails to protect victims or hold perpetrators fully accountable.

Babarinde recounted harrowing details of his early life, describing the physical abuse he suffered at the hands of his mother’s former partner. He recalled nights spent crying under the covers, surrounded by shouting, crashing noises, and a constant sense of fear. The violence, he said, left lasting emotional scars and a deep awareness of the gaps in the legal system that fail to acknowledge or address domestic abuse in a meaningful way. For Babarinde, sharing his experience publicly was both painful and necessary, intended to give voice to countless survivors who suffer in silence.

Currently, domestic abuse in England and Wales is treated as an aggravating factor in offences such as assault or coercive control, but is not defined as a specific charge in its own right. Babarinde warned that this legal gap allows offenders to evade proper scrutiny and can leave victims uninformed about their abuser’s status or release from prison. He argued that establishing a named offence would help authorities monitor abusers more effectively and ensure survivors are adequately protected.

The proposed change would not only clarify the law but also enhance sentencing procedures and enable prison and probation services to treat domestic abuse cases with greater seriousness. It would also create a legal record that identifies perpetrators, reducing the likelihood of repeat offences and improving victim notification systems. Babarinde stressed that domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence, encompassing emotional, psychological, and financial harm, forms of abuse that often go unrecognised under existing legislation.

While the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and affirmed that domestic abuse is considered during sentencing, it has not committed to introducing a new offence. The government stated that reforms are under review, and victims remain a priority within the justice system. However, Babarinde and campaigners argue that only a standalone offence will fully reflect the reality of domestic abuse and offer survivors the legal recognition and protection they deserve. A decision on potential legislative changes is expected later this year.

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