Could You Tell THESE Women That Men Who Beat Their Wives Should NOT Go to Jail, Mr Blair; OUTRAGE OVER PLANS TO GO SOFT ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Byline: By DAMIEN FLETCHER and JULIE McCAFFREY

THESE battered women yesterday furiously slammed plans to keep the men who attacked them out of prison.

The Sentencing Guidelines Council says the brutes could instead go on courses which "challenge their attitudes towards women".

But the idea from the Council, set up by Prime Minister Tony Blair to advise judges on sentences, has caused widespread outrage.

Claire Overton, 23, repeatedly slashed across the face by her husband, said: "It's tantamount to saying domestic abuse isn't really that important. It's a bullies' charter."

Amanda Hainsworth, 45, headbutted and punched by her boyfriend, said: "These punishments leave me disgusted and give abused women little hope of justice."

Bridget L'Anson, 35, whose cheating lover broke her nose, said: "His sentence was a joke. I feel so let down by the justice system as it stands already."

Marie Black nearly died at the hands of her attacker. She said: "Lighter sentences are an insult to women everywhere."

Rapists' jail sentences could also be cut by up to 15 per cent because jail is said to be tougher. Home Secretary Charles Clarke hopes the proposals will encourage more women to report rape and violence.

Two wives are killed by their current or ex-partners every week in England and Wales. And police get a call a minute from abuse victims.

One in four women will fall victim to domestic violence at some time in their lives.

Teresa Parker, of Women's Aid, said of the SGC's ideas: "They are utterly ludicrous - and very upsetting. We've had calls from women who are absolutely devastated at the news.

"Some were in tears, desperately trying to find out whether the men who beat them would be let out of prison to …

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Publication information: Article title: Could You Tell THESE Women That Men Who Beat Their Wives Should NOT Go to Jail, Mr Blair; OUTRAGE OVER PLANS TO GO SOFT ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. Contributors: Not available. Newspaper title: The Mirror (London, England). Publication date: March 14, 2006. Page number: 4. © 2009 MGN LTD. COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group.

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