Shock Revelation: Bolton MP Exposes Domestic Abuse Ordeal, Slams 'Triggering' Courts
Greater Manchester Labour MP Kirith Entwistle has disclosed her experience as a domestic abuse victim, leading her to criticize the criminal justice system for enabling perpetrators. She advocates for 'special measures' to be standard in domestic abuse cases, citing personal instances where adequate protections were absent and calling for a more trauma-informed approach to justice.
Kirith Entwistle, the Labour Member of Parliament for Bolton North East, has publicly revealed her experience as a victim of domestic abuse, stating that the current criminal justice system inadvertently "enables perpetrators." Her personal ordeal has fueled her call for significant reforms, specifically advocating for so-called 'special measures' to be made a standard offering in all domestic abuse cases.
Ms. Entwistle emphasized that the court system proved to be "triggering" and highlighted the critical need for processes to become "trauma-informed" to genuinely support victims navigating the legal landscape. Special measures, which can include the provision of screens, the option to give evidence via live-link, or allowing witnesses to be accompanied during testimony, are designed to protect and assist vulnerable individuals in court settings.
Recounting her own harrowing experiences, Ms. Entwistle described having to endure her abuser "stare at her" throughout a recent video hearing, noting the absence of options to blur backgrounds or hide faces on screen. Furthermore, she detailed an instance where, despite requesting special measures for an in-person court appearance, they were not implemented, forcing her to walk past her abuser before entering the courtroom. She expressed profound concern for her constituents, wondering what they might experience given her own difficulties as an MP.
Speaking during a Commons debate, Ms. Entwistle voiced her frustrations on behalf of both herself and her constituents, asserting, "I’m fed up of being of feeling ignored and dismissed, and so are my constituents. Our justice system exists to protect victims, not enable perpetrators, and we should always, always remember that." She referenced an amendment to the Courts and Tribunals Bill, put forth by Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Jess Brown-Fuller, which aims to expand the use of remote proceedings. Ms. Brown-Fuller echoed the sentiment that special measures should be standard, with the option for victims to remove them if they choose.
Ms. Entwistle strongly advocated for incorporating an assessment into special measures and ensuring their adequate communication to victims, citing her own case where they were not effectively communicated. She concluded her impassioned plea by reinforcing the fundamental principle that the justice system's primary role is to safeguard victims, a role she believes is currently undermined by systemic failures.