Cameron promises more help for victims of domestic violence

David Cameron announced wide-ranging plans to tackle domestic violence today with a pledge that a Tory government would move swiftly to improve protection for women.

Domestic violence increases over Christmas and the New Year, when more alcohol is consumed, and the Conservative leader said that tackling it should be made a greater priority.

The Tories would create 15 more rape crisis centres, funded by £2.6 million from the "victim surcharge" that is imposed on criminals who pay fines. All police recruits would receive specific training in domestic violence, stalking, female genital mutilation, "honour" violence and forced marriage.

The Tories would also make it compulsory for pupils to be taught that "no means no" as part of the sex education curriculum and be given clear guidance on bullying and violence against women.

Women housed in refuges following domestic violence would be allowed to qualify for £60-a-week Jobseeker's Allowance without having to look for work.

Three million women in Britain experience violence each year. Domestic violence accounts for 16 per cent of all violent crime, and more than 80 per cent of its victims are women.

Under a Conservative government, convicted rapists who choose not to engage in the required treatment offered by accredited sex offender rehabilitation programmes will spend longer in custody.

The early release of prisoners on End of Custody Licence, a practice of particular concern in domestic violence cases, would also be scrapped.