Jealous ex-partners who kill or strangle their victims will face tougher jail terms as part of a crackdown on violence against women.

The changes aim to align punishments with the severity of the crime in the “most abhorrent” cases, as stated by a government minister. This initiative follows a campaign by the Manchester Evening News advocating for harsher sentences for domestic abusers who violate protective orders.

This campaign was launched a year after the tragic murder of Caroline Gore in Wigan and calls for a mandatory minimum prison term for offenders who breach orders prohibiting contact with victims. Caroline's family believes she would still be alive had her killer not received a lenient sentence for breaching his restraining order shortly before her death.

In August, Caroline's killer was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison. An independent review by barrister Clare Wade into domestic homicide sentencing led the government to introduce two new statutory aggravating factors, requiring judges to impose stronger sentences in cases involving strangulation or killings linked to the end of a relationship.

The new measures for England and Wales are anticipated to take effect next year. Additionally, the Law Commission will review the overall sentencing framework for murder and the law of homicide.

This initiative responds to concerns raised by campaigners regarding diminished responsibility and the adequacy of current sentencing rules in representing the severity of domestic murders. The Ministry of Justice reports that 85 people, predominantly women, are killed by current or former partners each year, largely within their homes.

Ms. Wade’s review of various murder cases indicated that 30% involved strangulation, and 40% occurred at the end or perceived end of a relationship, all with female victims and male perpetrators. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood commented: “As part of the Government’s reform plan, we are tackling violence against women and working towards creating safer streets.”

Mahmood acknowledged the complexities surrounding homicide law and sentencing, emphasizing that the Law Commission's comprehensive examination is necessary to address existing disparities.

Alex Davies-Jones, the minister for violence against women and girls, stated: “The level of violence against women represents a national crisis that this Government is determined to confront, ensuring that the punishment fits the crime, especially in the most heinous cases. I commend all those who have advocated for change, including the Joanna Simpson Foundation, Killed Women, and the families affected by the Nottingham attacks.”