We are entering the correct era where domestic violence is seen as a much more serious crime than one committed on a stranger after the pubs have closed

David Calvert-Smith DPP

Prosecutors will make strenuous efforts to persuade victims to give evidence against abusers.

But refusal to co-operate could lead to them being prosecuted.

A recent study suggested that eight out of 10 times where proceedings were dropped, the reason was because the victim had refused to co-operate.

Director of Public Prosecutions David Calvert-Smith said: "We are entering the correct era where domestic violence is seen as a much more serious crime than one committed on a stranger after the pubs have closed, because it reflects a gross breach of trust.

He said the guidance reinforced that nationwide the CPS should view domestic violence as an aggravated form of crime.

'Staggering and awful'

Cherie Booth QC, who is a trustee of domestic violence charity Refuge, told the launch in Westminster statistics on domestic violence were "staggering and awful".

Cherie Booth says domestic violence will no longer be tolerated

Ms Booth said: "In the UK a domestic violence incident occurs every 26 seconds and in England and Wales a women is killed by a current or former partner every three days.

"This will surely send a clear message that domestic violence is a criminal offence that will no longer be tolerated in our society."

The guidelines apply not only to men who assault their wives but any kind of abuser within a relationship, including women who beat their husbands, homosexuals and transsexuals.

We have to make sure that men don't get away with domestic violence - free to carry on with it

Lord Goldsmith QC Attorney General

Attorney General Lord Goldsmith, QC, said: "The CPS dealt with about 13,000 domestic violence cases over the past 12 months.

"The guidance particularly addresses the problem of what to do when women retract their statements and ask for the prosecution to be dropped.

"We have to make sure that men don't get away with domestic violence - free to carry on with it."

Women terrified

The new rule book says police should attempt to gather photographs of injuries and evidence from neighbours and other agencies such as the local council to help build up a picture of the abusive relationship.

Hannana Saddiqui, co-ordinator of women's group Southall Black Sisters, said: "I wouldn't necessarily support prosecuting the victim for contempt if they are acting out of fear of going ahead with the case."

Sandra Horley, chief executive of Refuge, broadly welcomed the new initiative.

She said: "The responsibility for bringing a violent man to account should not lie with the terrified, intimidated women at the receiving end of the abuse."