Alexander Bastrykin, Chairman of Russia’s Investigative Committee, spoke about this in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta. ‘We believe regulatory changes are needed to prevent domestic violence against both women and children. Together with the relevant government bodies, the Investigative Committee continues work on a draft federal law strengthening liability for battery and several other crimes, in particular the intentional infliction of minor bodily harm. A defining aggravating circumstance should be “committing a crime against family members or other close persons”,’ the head of the Committee said. Bastrykin also noted that, when investigating such crimes, investigators assess not only the actions of the person directly responsible for the tragic consequences. ‘The actions—or, conversely, inaction—of police officials, juvenile affairs units and other government bodies are also assessed: a criminal case is opened immediately and a comprehensive, independent investigation is ensured. The causes and circumstances that contributed to the crimes are always established. Submissions requiring those circumstances to be addressed are sent to the relevant bodies, and those responsible face disciplinary sanctions,’ the Chairman of Russia’s Investigative Committee explained.