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Black Women: Domestic Abuse
30 June 2020
Lead MP
Meg Hillier
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Policing & ResourcesCrime & Law EnforcementWomen & EqualitiesLocal Government
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Meg Hillier raised concerns about black women: domestic abuse in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The MP raised concerns about the disproportionate impact of domestic violence and domestic abuse on black, minority ethnic, and migrant women in her constituency. She highlighted funding cuts to local authorities that have led to a decrease in specialist services for these communities, stressing the importance of representation at policy levels and tailored support that reflects cultural differences. The speech also touched upon issues such as the 'no recourse to public funds' provision affecting victims seeking refuge and the need for community-based services rather than generic ones. Statistics were provided on reported domestic abuse offences in London, showing a 63% increase between 2011 and 2018.
Expressed support for the need to fund women’s services to ensure they are valued and have options available when living in fear.
Darren Henry
Broxtowe
Highlighted the stigma and shame within black communities regarding abuse, advocating for tailored services addressing cultural issues to empower victims to seek support.
Government Response
Policing & ResourcesCrime & Law EnforcementWomen & EqualitiesLocal Government
Government Response
The Minister emphasised the Government’s commitment to tackling domestic violence by providing £100 million in funding over four years and reintroducing the Domestic Abuse Bill. He acknowledged the importance of community-based support, mentioning that funds are allocated through police and crime commissioners considering protected characteristics. The Minister discussed efforts to break down barriers for BAME women accessing services, such as ensuring diverse representation within government agencies and addressing specific needs. He also highlighted the need for a statutory definition of domestic abuse in legislation. The response concluded with an emphasis on ongoing cross-Government collaboration and partnerships with expert organisations.
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Assessment & feedback
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.