Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls

Ms Cooper emphasised that while some progress has been made, the scale of the challenge remains unmet. She cited low rape prosecution rates, long delays in reporting and investigating crimes, and a lack of leadership as key issues.

Mr Perkins highlighted the severe problem of waiting times for court appearances, noting that many victims drop out due to prolonged delays, allowing perpetrators to escape justice.

Mr Gardiner raised concerns about a case where a young woman was wrongly charged with stalking after reporting domestic violence, illustrating systemic issues in how police handle such cases.

Mr Daly pointed out that 90% of rape allegations are not referred by the police to the Crown Prosecution Service and called for a focus on addressing failures in police investigations.

Ms Antoniazzi highlighted inconsistencies between reporting crimes at hospitals and to the police, suggesting better coordination is needed between medical staff and law enforcement.

Mr Sobel discussed spiking cases in Leeds and called for more powers to address perpetrators effectively. He also mentioned the underfunding of rape units as a key issue.

Ms Abrahams stressed the importance of addressing online abuse, noting that many cases of violence against women and girls start in digital spaces.

Cooper urged the government to do more and go faster in addressing violence against women and girls. She challenged the Minister on her diagnosis of why things have worsened since 2016 and pressed for immediate changes rather than accepting it will take time.

Hobhouse highlighted the importance of professional relationship training in schools, questioning if such an approach needs to be led by professionals rather than relying on teachers who may not have the expertise.

Johnson agreed with sentiments expressed but suggested naming violence against women and girls as 'male violence against women and girls' to highlight its nature correctly.

Emphasised the need to call male violence against women and girls what it is, advocating for societal change where everyone, not just women, takes responsibility. Urged clear communication that male violence is a societal issue.

Welcomed the Minister's announcements but called for recognition of Northumbria police and crime commissioner Kim McGuinness’s work, including her holistic approach to tackling violence against women through initiatives like “Fun without fear”.

Asked the Minister about rolling out Operation Soteria immediately and implementing Rapid Response Sexual Offending units (RASSOs). She suggested requiring RASSOs within three months as a minimum requirement.

Discussed the work of the all-party parliamentary group on commercial sexual exploitation and highlighted the case in her constituency involving non-contact sexual offending escalating to murder. She noted a decrease in police referrals, charges, prosecutions and convictions for violence against women since 2016-17, citing recent Crown Prosecution Service figures.

Clarified that she and the Deputy Prime Minister are leading on the Government’s response to male violence against women and girls. She stated they own it, monitor it closely and frequently, despite cross-Government involvement.

Neill emphasised the importance of addressing rape and serious sexual offences with sensitivity and care. He highlighted improvements in complainant experience, including better handling by legal professionals and the introduction of special measures for witnesses. However, he stressed that more needs to be done, particularly focusing on reducing attrition before cases reach the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Neill mentioned the statistic that 90% of attrition occurs before CPS involvement and noted that conviction rates are similar to other violent offences once cases reach court, suggesting issues occur earlier in the process. He also discussed the need for timely disclosure of digital evidence, specialist rape courts, and adequate judicial resources to ensure consistent listing of these cases.

Violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse, misogyny, sexual violence, threatening behaviour, economic abuse, sexism, is widespread in the UK. Women selling their bodies on the street face psychological damage due to lack of financial independence from abusive partners. The charity One25 based in Bristol works with marginalised women who have experienced trauma; 97% had encountered domestic or sexual violence. There has been an increase in violent behaviour towards sex workers during the pandemic, with reported cases rising by 82%. Similarly, domestic abuse referrals increased by 12%, and calls to national helplines rose by 65% during lockdowns. The charity AVA found a link between menopause and worsening experiences of domestic violence, suggesting that both influence each other negatively. Initiatives like Llamau’s 'Break the bias' campaign aim to reduce stigma around survivors of abuse.

The MP acknowledges the complexity of addressing violence against women and girls, recognising that while it is important to debate these issues, it should not be used as a political tool. She supports the government's achievements in criminalising various forms of abuse such as stalking, coercive control, and revenge porn, noting improvements in legal frameworks like section 28 procedures for rape cases. However, she also highlights unresolved cultural issues, particularly concerning online pornography and its impact on children’s attitudes towards women. Additionally, she emphasises the need to address police culture and perpetrators’ escalating violence.

During interventions, Bob Neill agreed with Laura Farris that careful investigation by the police is crucial for increasing the rate of charging. He stressed the importance of gathering admissible evidence to ensure a reasonable prospect of conviction.

In his intervention, Geraint Davies highlighted cultural issues within the police regarding revenge porn and reporting practices, emphasising incidents such as the lack of accountability for police behaviour in Bristol and Clapham where multiple individuals were hospitalised. He raised concerns about the need to address these cultural problems.

The murder of Sarah Everard is discussed, along with police misconduct at a vigil in Clapham Common. The speaker points to evidence of misogynistic culture within the Metropolitan Police, noting that over 750 officers have faced sexual misconduct allegations since 2010, but only 83 have been sacked. There are calls for better education on gender equality and responsibility from social media companies, as well as an examination of cuts in police funding and training.

The speaker underscores the urgency of addressing the rising violent crimes against women, with conviction rates for rape at a dangerously low level. The Office for National Statistics data shows a record high number of rapes and sexual offences last year. She advocates for immediate changes to ensure perpetrators face consequences and highlights the societal responsibility in tackling male violence against women.

Praises organisations in Bath working on tackling violence against women and girls. Emphasises the need for improved police training, better support from local authorities, funding for accommodation for survivors of abuse, and the ratification of the Istanbul convention. Highlights issues with the current criminal justice system and calls for age-appropriate sex and relationship education in schools along with making misogyny a hate crime.

Supports Wera Hobhouse's comments about teaching staff, highlighting the need for specialist services in schools to provide proper guidance on relationships.

Discusses personal reasons why tackling violence against women is important. Highlights failures at every level of addressing violence against women and girls, including inadequate investigations and prosecutions. Criticises the Home Secretary for not responding to the debate personally. Emphasises the importance of police forces providing stalking advocacy services and the need for a candid conversation about the culture of male violence.

Barker stresses the need to address violence against women and girls, noting that while many are discussing gender equality in other areas such as pay gap and access to childcare, we remain focused on ensuring women's safety. She presents statistics showing a higher number of femicides compared to deaths due to terrorism and argues for more serious treatment of femicide like terrorism. She also highlights the disparity in funding between programmes aimed at perpetrators versus those supporting victims.

Cadbury laments the regression in progress against violence against women and girls, despite efforts made 30 years ago. She points out that specialist support services are closing down and that multi-agency public protection arrangements need to include serial domestic abusers and stalkers. Cadbury calls for street harassment to be criminalised and misogyny to be classified as a hate crime. She also emphasises the importance of properly trained women officers for rape victims.

The Member spoke about the outpouring of personal experiences related to violence against women and girls, including harassment on social media platforms. She highlighted the need for a culture change in society and urged the Government to make violence against women and girls a strategic policing priority.

The Member expressed her anger at having to speak about this issue, stating that progress has been insufficient. She shared constituents' experiences of trauma within the legal system and called for more targets, such as increasing the charge rate for rape, setting up specialist rape courts, and supporting victims through RASSO units.

Calls for more funding to be provided across all relevant areas including health, education, and local councils. Highlights the discrepancy between Government claims of increased funding and reality on the ground. Criticises the lack of urgency shown by the government compared to its response to the European Super League crisis.

Responded to contributions from Members, committing to publish a perpetrator strategy within legislative timelines. She acknowledged the Home Affairs Committee Chair's points and committed to publishing the perpetrator strategy soon. She also addressed several specific issues including specialist rape courts, domestic abuse courts pilots, funding for refuge spaces, reporting of crimes, Istanbul convention compliance, stalking protection orders, honour-based violence, male violence against women and girls, and significant funding measures.

Called for the publication of a perpetrator strategy within legislative timelines. Her contribution was acknowledged by Rachel Maclean.

Made detailed comments and challenges regarding rape prosecution in a digital age, highlighting the need for specialist rape courts.

Highlighted the link between domestic abuse and traumatisation. Her work on the menopause was acknowledged by Rachel Maclean.

Discussed the complex issue of misogyny as a hate crime, highlighting that while the House voted against it, steps are needed to tackle misogyny in society.

Spoke sensitively about a constituency case involving a victim of domestic abuse and highlighted funding for refuge spaces.

Discussed the rise in reports of rape, emphasising the need to capture these crimes and encourage victims to come forward.

Asked about compliance with the Istanbul convention, noting that legal technicalities are being resolved for full ratification.

Asked the Minister if she agrees that funding for victims of violence should be increased, highlighting their need to set up anew after fleeing domestic homes.

Called on the Leader of the Opposition and the Chief Whip to explain the behaviour of a Labour candidate in the Birmingham, Erdington by-election who allegedly threatened violent means to achieve political ends. Emphasised that those not believing in democratic values should not be part of a democratic party.

Ordered calm and stated that tensions during by-elections are expected but warned against bringing such issues into the Chamber prematurely. Suggested waiting for election results before making judgments on candidates' conduct.