Offenders in England and Wales who kill their current or ex-partners will face at least 10 years more in prison under new sentencing guidelines announced by the Sentencing Council. The changes, which come into effect in October, aim to reflect the severity of domestic homicides and the breach of trust involved.
New Minimum Terms
Under the revised guidelines, the starting point for the minimum term for murder of a partner will be 25 years, up from 15 years. This applies to cases where the victim was in a current or former intimate relationship with the offender. The council said the increase acknowledges the aggravating factors often present in such killings, including controlling or coercive behavior, jealousy, and separation.
“Domestic homicides are particularly devastating because they involve a betrayal of trust and often occur in the victim’s own home,” said Lord Justice William Davis, chairman of the Sentencing Council. “These new guidelines will ensure that offenders face a punishment that properly reflects the seriousness of their crime.”
Impact on Sentencing
The guidelines apply to murders committed on or after the implementation date. For offenders aged 18 or over, the new minimum term will be 25 years, with a range of 20 to 30 years depending on aggravating or mitigating factors. For those under 18, the starting point will be 14 years, up from 12 years.
According to the Office for National Statistics, around 40% of female homicide victims in England and Wales are killed by a current or former partner. In 2024, 77 women were killed by a partner or ex-partner, a figure that campaigners say highlights the need for tougher sentencing.
Reaction from Campaigners
Charities and domestic abuse organizations welcomed the change but called for broader action. “This is a significant step forward in recognizing the unique harm of domestic homicides,” said Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid. “However, we must also invest in prevention, including better support for victims and early intervention to stop abuse escalating.”
The Sentencing Council also updated guidelines for other types of murder, including those involving a knife or other weapon, which will see starting points increase from 25 to 30 years. The changes are part of a wider review of sentencing for murder, the first in over a decade.
