Freedom and safety are important to us all.
You should be free from harm, and also from the threat of harm – physical or psychological. This includes living in fear of strangers or neighbours. But, just as importantly, it includes living in fear of family members.
The government should not take away your freedom without good reason. Of course, there are times when a person may need to be kept in hospital against their will or imprisoned for committing a crime. But the ability to move around freely is one of the most important freedoms in our society.
If you are under threat from someone, the government has a duty to protect you.
UK law includes a range of human rights to help keep you safe from harm.
Which human rights are relevant?
• The right to life
• Protection from torture and inhuman and degrading treatment
• Protection from slavery and forced labour
• Right to liberty and security
• Right to respect for private and family life
• Protection from discrimination