The Office of the Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner (ODPCVC) is behind MPs campaign looking at sentencing around one punch assaults.
Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison has launched an all-party parliamentary group (APPG) to look at sentencing of single-punch assaults.
Ms Davison’s father was killed by a single punch 14 years ago and has launched the APPG to seek "fairer justice" for victims and families.
The key role of the APPG will be to carry out a formal inquiry into sentencing around one punch assaults.
The ODPCVC is committed to supporting campaigns that raise awareness around one punch assaults and seeks to educate members of the public on the impact a single punch can have on victims and their families.
Steve White, Acting Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner (APCVC) and Chief Constable Jo Farrell supported One Punch North East’s 7th annual Punched Out Cold Campaign last year, launched by Maxine Thompson Curl, which she began after losing her son Kristian to one punch assault.
Steve White, APCVC said: “I fully support one punch campaigns across County Durham and Darlington which raise awareness about the devastation one punch assault can cause.
“The consequence of a split-second decision to engage in violence can be devastating and I urge people to recognise the impact that one punch violence can have on victims and their families.”
MP Dehenna Davison said: “I am extremely grateful to the Office of the Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner for their support of my APPG. The APPG will seek to both understand why so many feel a deep sense of injustice after sentencing, and, ultimately, to change the law to fix that.
“Work is already underway to collect evidence for our inquiry, we will be hearing from the families of victims, as well as a wide range of other witnesses, to help develop the right approach to better the law.”
Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “A single act and a split-second decision can affect the rest of your life and potentially end others, leaving behind a trail of heartbreak and devastation.
“We know this past year has been difficult for everyone, but our message remains clear – think before you act.”
If you or anyone you know has been impacted by a one punch assault and wants to contribute towards the campaign, please contact Dehenna.davison.mp@parliament.uk
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