Examining Deception Detection Technology in the Fight Against Home Violence in the United Kingdom
The UK government has proposed the use of lie detector tests, or polygraph testing, as part of a package to combat domestic abuse. While there is no direct evidence that polygraph testing is currently being used systematically for domestic abuse offenders, it has been instrumental in identifying sex offenders at risk of re-offending, including post-release offenses.
The technology, which measures physiological responses during questioning to detect deception, is not foolproof. It is susceptible to attempts to "trick" the test, and refusal to take the test can result in sanctions. Moreover, polygraph results are not admissible as direct evidence in court, and there is a risk of false positives—individuals may fail a test even if truthful.
If implemented promptly, polygraph testing could be a crucial step in preventing domestic abuse re-offending and protecting victims. The Domestic Abuse Bill, aimed at protecting victims and punishing perpetrators of domestic abuse, includes a proposal for the use of polygraph examinations to prevent domestic abuse re-offending.
Women's Aid has emphasized the need for the Domestic Abuse Bill to be supported by guaranteed funding for specialised women's services. With adequate funding, the effectiveness of polygraph testing in protecting victims of domestic abuse could be maximised.
Recent statistics show that two-thirds of domestic abuse victims in the UK are women, and over two million people are estimated to suffer from domestic abuse each year. The delay in the full implementation of polygraph testing in domestic abuse cases is believed to be unnecessary, given its potential benefits and the urgent need to combat domestic abuse.
The government is encouraged to take swift action in adopting the use of polygraph testing in domestic abuse cases. The appointment of Nicola Jacobs as the new Domestic Abuse Commissioner in the UK is a positive step towards addressing this issue.
The Post-Conviction Sex Offender Testing (PCSOT), which allows parole boards to require regular polygraph examinations for convicted sex offenders, has been successful in identifying offenders who are at risk of re-offending, thereby protecting potential victims from abuse. The polygraph test could be integrated into the offender management pathway upon the passing of the Domestic Abuse Bill.
The use of polygraph testing for similar purposes has been in practice in the United States for nearly 20 years. Its effectiveness in identifying and preventing domestic abuse re-offending is emphasised, making it a valuable aid in the management of domestic abuse offenders.
- The UK's Domestic Abuse Bill, aiming to protect victims and punish perpetrators, proposes the utilization of polygraph examinations to prevent domestic abuse re-offending.
- The technology, used in lie detector tests or polygraph testing, measures physiological responses during questioning to detect deception, but it is not foolproof and can be manipulated or lead to false positives.
- Women's Aid strongly advocates for guaranteed funding for specialized women's services to ensure the maximum effectiveness of polygraph testing in protecting victims of domestic abuse.
- The strategy of using polygraph testing, already in practice in the United States for nearly 20 years, has proven effective in identifying and preventing domestic abuse re-offending, making it a valuable tool in the management of such offenders.
