Charging Practice
- The charges in domestic violence cases should reflect the seriousness and persistence of the accused's behaviour, the probable intent, the severity of the injury caused and its long-term effects. They must provide the court with the capacity to impose a sentence which adequately reflects the seriousness of the crime. If an accused offers to plead guilty to a different and possibly less serious charge, this will only be accepted if it enables the court to pass a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the offence. The victim should be advised of the charges brought, and alerted to any change, and consulted and advised when necessary.