Letter: Violence is not 'domestic'

Letter: On Saturday, July 2, you published an item "Police trial aid for victims of 'home' violence".

Isn't that encouraging? No it is not, and why not? Because, when we read further we find that yes, there it is again, the word "domestic".

I am sure that, for many, it begs the question; why the determination to separate the criminal violence against someone known to the perpetrator from violence committed against a stranger?

The answer comes from a belief that if one has slept with the victim then it must be viewed differently.

Many pacifying noises have been used over recent times to justify this issue being treated differently, among them the "we cannot proceed if the victim does not give evidence". Would that excuse be used if the victim was attacked by a complete stranger?

The information given on improvements to be made regarding the victim being able to remain in the home whilst the perpetrator is removed, is a definite step forward, and a very welcome one, as too often the innocent victims have been forced to seek refuge away from their home, adding injustice to injustice.

Admirable efforts are made by organisations in this respect, but sadly, this issue has been devalued for so long, meaning that it will continue to raise its ugly head until first we accept the absolute conviction that violence against another person is a crime regardless of the so-called status of the victim.

Mary Karas

Shrewsbury