Domestic violence charities have applauded government incentives to crackdown on abusers but say there is still a lot more to do to save lives.

They have called for civil and criminal courts to work together to insure the safety of women and children in individual cases.

They also want the government to follow the examples of several foreign countries, who give agencies the power to order an injunction to protect a woman from an abusive partner.

Statistically the time of leaving an abusive man is the most dangerous period for the mother and children

Nicola Harwin, Women's Aid

It comes after Solicitor General, Harriet Harman, called for legal changes including anonymity for victims and a multi-agency approach to cases.

Speaking to experts at a conference with the Crown Prosecution Service in London, she promised to exercise her powers to appeal against lenient sentences

She also called on the Law Commission - the independent body which advises the government on law changes - to carry out an in-depth review of how domestic violence cases are tackled.

Nicola Harwin, CBE, is director of Women's Aid, a domestic violence charity which co-ordinates 250 local refuge centres in the UK.

She welcomed the suggestions but called for England and Wales to replicate American models.

The US has a single court process for civil and criminal proceedings.

Harman: "Courts are on the victim's side"

Currently, there is a split between criminal courts and the family court in this country.

Ms Harwin said on occasions a sentence is given in court to an abuser.

But she said the risk he posed and the specific circumstances were not always reflected in decisions taken in the family court regarding custody.

"It is not just about implementing measures to hold a perpetrator," she said.

"This must be integrated with measures to keep victims and their children safe.

"Statistically the time of leaving an abusive man, or just after, is the most dangerous period for the mother and children.

'High risks'

"Then they are put at further risk during arrangements for contact - and the suitability of the father's character to safely look after a child must be taken into account.

"For this, there must be the background of his previous violence."

Ms Harwin also called for statistics which showed the correlation between domestic violence and deaths for men, women and particularly children.

The charity also called for powers to be given to the police and other agencies to order an injunction against an abuser on behalf of victim.

This would help women who were not eligible for Legal Aid but could not actually afford it and for whom an injunction would be financially crippling.

When prosecutors prosecute, women will stay alive

Sandra Horley, Refuge

Sandra Horley, chief executive of Refuge charity, said she was 'heartened' to hear of a multi-agency approach.

She also called for huge changes in the criminal justice system in the area of domestic violence.

"We need substantial training, funding and commitment for police, social services and prosecutors," she said.

"It is a step in the right direction but cost, complacency and convenience have made it too easy not to prosecute anyone."

Mrs Horley said it was imperative the courts learned to use evidence more effectively such as neighbours' statements, the victims' written statements and photographs.

She pointed to the Canadian approach which has a co-ordinated system to arrest and prosecute abusers as well as care for victims.

"When prosecutors prosecute, women will stay alive," she said.

Refuge can be contacted 24 hours a day by ringing 0870 599 5443.