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Written question asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 3 November 2014, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 November 2014. It was answered by Lord Bates (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 November 2014 on behalf of the Home Office.

Marriage

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to consider introducing legislation in England and Wales similar to India’s Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 so as to prohibit the giving or taking of a dowry, and India’s Domestic Violence Act 2005 so as to treat demanding a dowry as domestic violence.

Answer

The Government is clear that domestic violence and abuse does not just mean physical violence. It can also involve coercive and controlling behaviour, including dowry abuse and other forms of financial abuse. The cross-Government definition of domestic violence and abuse encompasses, but is not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse. This definition is used by Government departments to inform policy development, and other agencies, such as the police, to inform the identification of domestic violence cases.

We have recently consulted on strengthening the law around domestic violence and abuse and are considering our response. Our consideration will include whether there should be a specific offence of domestic abuse and if so, what patterns of behaviour should constitute such abuse.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2604
Session
2014-15
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Domestic abuse Marriage Payments
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk