Domestic Abuse Gloucester 2025-02-24

2025-02-24

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer

Gloucester

▸ Context

The MP highlights the challenge of financial implications for victims fleeing domestic abuse and refers to a specific private member's bill he has introduced.

I thank my hon. Friend for her answer, and for all the work she has done over many years to champion victims and survivors of domestic abuse. As she will know, one of the biggest challenges facing survivors and victims in Gloucester is the financial implications of fleeing that abuse. Will she agree to meet me to discuss my 10-minute rule Bill, the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Bill, which would introduce safe leave for victims of domestic abuse and violence?

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his kind words, and for his commitment to supporting victims. He will be aware that his private Member’s Bill is the responsibility of the Department for Business and Trade, but I would of course be willing to meet him, and the Department, to discuss it.

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Q2 Partial Answer

Karen Bradley Con

Staffordshire Moorlands

▸ Context

The MP references a recent NAO report that includes recommendations for addressing domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls. The question seeks clarity on the Government's plans in light of these recommendations.

The recent National Audit Office report on the Government’s response to violence against women and girls, which includes domestic abuse, made a number of recommendations. My Committee will be considering that issue, but will the Minister comment on what the Government’s response will be to those recommendations, and say how she will ensure that domestic abuse is tackled across the country, including in Gloucester?

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)

I was waiting for that reference to Gloucester. As the right hon. Lady will know, the NAO report is largely based on the previous Government’s period in office, and although it makes clear recommendations, it would be premature of me to comment. However, the strategy to combat violence against women and girls that will be published by this Government in early summer will undoubtedly be looking to the NAO recommendations.