Calls for the introduction of “Eve’s law”

The Labour Justice Minister, Dan Jarvis, has called on the UK Government to introduce new laws that would mean domestic violence victims were not required to disclose their home addresses in open court, reports the BBC.

The measures have been referred to as “Eve’s law” after campaigner Eve Thomas, who was a victim of domestic violence herself, risked being sent to prison for refusing to reveal her new address while appearing in a civil court in an unrelated matter.

She claimed that revealing her new address in this way would put herself at risk of another attack.

“It is unacceptable to place victims of domestic violence and abuse at risk by forcing them to disclose their address and contact details in open court,” said Dan Jarvis MP. “This could deter thousands of victims of domestic violence from coming forward and reporting the crimes against them.

“By adopting Eve’s law the Government can help address a small legal anomaly which will have a huge effect on the lives of people who have suffered from this horrific crime,” he added.

Justice Minister Damian Green has said that he is prepared to consider the proposals, reports the BBC.

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