MP calls for specific domestic violence offence in England and Wales

Josh Babarinde says domestic violence is still too often hidden. Photograph: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Officials are examining whether to change the way domestic violence crimes are recorded after a campaign by an MP who says the lack of a specific offence allows abusers to be freed early from jail.

Josh Babarinde, the Liberal Democrats’ justice spokesperson, said a change would also help highlight the prevalence of domestic violence, which he said was still too often hidden.