Merseyside PCC welcomes longer sentences for murders committed by partners or ex
01.07.26 - Merseyside
Merseyside Police Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, says tougher sentences for people who kill their partner or ex, is an important step towards securing justice for victims of domestic homicide.
Under the current law, most domestic murders have a 15-year sentencing starting point, because they take place in the home with a weapon most likely already at the scene. However, for other murders where a weapon is taken to the scene with intent, the starting point is 25 years.
Earlier this week, the Government announced it intends to close this 10-year gap so that domestic murders are dealt with the same severity as other murders - regardless of whether they happen at home or anywhere else.
Writing in her blog in response to this reform, Emily Spurrell paid tribute to the courageous campaigners whose determination has helped secure this long-overdue change but warned It does not address the harm caused by family member perpetrators, particularly in Merseyside, where the figure for femicide committed by a son to a mother is more than double the national average.
"I strongly welcome this week's Government announcement that offenders who murder their current or former partner will face a new minimum sentence of 25 years in prison.
"This is an important step towards securing justice for victims of domestic homicide and the families left to live with the devastating impact of these crimes. It recognises the profound harm caused by perpetrators and better reflects the seriousness of these offences.
"The Femicide in Merseyside report highlights why this change matters. More than half of women killed by men were murdered by a current or former intimate partner. For too many women, the greatest threat comes not from strangers, but from those closest to them.
"I am also reassured that victims who go on to kill their abusers will not be subject to the new minimum sentence, reflecting the relentless and often life-threatening abuse they may have endured.
"I pay tribute to the courageous campaigners whose determination has helped secure this long-overdue change and will help future victims and families receive the justice they deserve.
"While this is a welcome reform, there is more work to do. It does not address the harm caused by family member perpetrators. In Merseyside, 17% of femicides involved the killing of a mother by her adult son, compared with a national average of 8%.
"Tackling violence against women and girls remains one of my key priorities. I will continue to support specialist domestic abuse services, work with partners and the Femicide Census, and drive action across Merseyside to prevent violence, protect victims and deliver justice.
"Every victim matters. Every family deserves justice. And I remain committed to making Merseyside a safer place for women and girls."