We welcome the news that Section 35 of the Sentencing Bill, which would have allowed people undertaking probation work orders to be photographed and publicly named, has now been scrapped.
This is a significant and positive outcome for women and survivors of domestic abuse, and a clear example of how collective action can lead to meaningful policy change.
Why Section 35 raised serious concerns
A high proportion of women in contact with the criminal justice system are survivors of domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG). Proposals to photograph individuals undertaking unpaid work orders and publish their names and images carried serious risks to survivor safety and wellbeing.
For many women, public identification could have exposed their location, compromised safety plans and increased the risk of further abuse, stalking or exploitation. It also risked retraumatising survivors by removing bodily autonomy and subjecting them to public scrutiny and shame. These concerns were particularly acute for women fleeing domestic abuse, survivors of trafficking, forced marriage, and so-called honour-based abuse, as well as Black, racially minoritised, and migrant women who are already disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system.
The removal of Section 35 of the Sentencing Bill highlights the importance of ensuring that legislation considers survivor safety, dignity, and lived experience from the outset.
Protecting through partnership
Domestic Abuse Alliance was proud to stand alongside Women in Prison and a wide coalition of organisations in raising these concerns with Ministers and parliamentarians. Our co-founder, Razi Hassan, co-signed the joint open letter calling for Section 35 to be removed, alongside partners including Advance, Agenda Alliance, Centre for Women’s Justice, Hibiscus Initiatives, Working Chance, Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse, and Women’s Aid, among many others.
Together, partners engaged with decision-makers, set out the risks this proposal posed to survivors, and called for a more trauma-informed and survivor-centred approach. At the final stages of the Bill’s passage through the House of Lords, Section 35 was removed.
Why this matters for survivor safety
This outcome sends a clear message: policies affecting people in contact with the criminal justice system must take account of lived experience, survivor safety and the unintended harms that well-meaning legislation can cause.
It also reinforces the importance of partnership working. When specialist organisations come together, amplify survivor voices and engage constructively with policymakers, change is possible.
Looking ahead
While this decision is welcome, there is still more to do to ensure that criminal justice responses support recovery, dignity and safety, rather than risk further harm. Domestic Abuse Alliance will continue to work in partnership with organisations across the sector to advocate for policies that protect survivors and promote long-term safety.
We are grateful to everyone involved in this collective effort and to all those who continue to speak up for women and survivors within the justice system.
Collective action makes a difference.
