Domestic Abuse and Violence against Women 2024-11-05
2024-11-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to provide better support and protection for victims of domestic abuse and violence against women.
What steps is she taking to support survivors of domestic abuse and violence against women through the criminal justice system?
We are committed to supporting victims and survivors of these abhorrent crimes, including through the £26 million rape and sexual abuse support fund and the funding of independent domestic and sexual violence advocates. Furthermore, we will increase the powers of the Victims' Commissioner to improve accountability when victims' needs are not met.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or detailed plan was provided for implementing these commitments beyond vague references to 'improving accountability'.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, focusing on digital citizenship education for rehabilitating prisoners.
Many constituents will be participating in the United Nations' 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. What steps are being taken in the prison system to rehabilitate individuals whose criminal behaviour was influenced by online radicalisation?
The Prison Service assesses the impact of online influences on convicted terrorists in the first year after sentencing. Digital citizenship education is one aspect, but full implementation depends on controlling the prison population post-pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
No clear timeline or comprehensive plan was given for implementing digital citizenship education as part of rehabilitation programs.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Scottish Government's decision against including misogyny in their Hate Crime and Public Order Act prompts this question.
Given the high rates of unreported crimes, especially for rape and sexual assault, is the Lord Chancellor planning to review aggravated offences, particularly misogynistic ones, to ensure women receive proper protection?
The Government are committed to halving violence against women and girls over ten years. Every Department will look into how they can tackle misogyny, including education about it in schools, streets, homes, workplaces, and online environments.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific review or timeline was given for tackling misogynistic offenses in the law.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the systemic bias against survivors of domestic abuse across various stages of the criminal justice system.
Does the Minister agree that a comprehensive approach including funding for specialist services and addressing legal aid issues is necessary to provide proper support for victims of domestic abuse?
The Minister agrees with the hon. Friend's points about systemic bias and supports her bravery in speaking out. Every Department will look into how to stamp out violence against women and girls. Funding is currently being reviewed, and further meetings can be arranged.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific details or commitments were given regarding the funding review for specialist services.
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The low rate of reported rape cases reaching trial under previous governments prompts this question.
How are the Government ensuring that more brave women who report their rapes see quick and effective justice through the court service?
The Government are committed to introducing independent legal advocates for adult rape victims. They will work with the judiciary to fast-track RASSO cases through courts and support victim-survivors every step of the way.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
The question addresses the current legal system's inability to prevent early release of domestic abusers.
Will the Minister meet me and domestic abuse charities to discuss proposals for closing loopholes so that victims get proper justice?
The Government have put in strict protections excluding certain offences from early release schemes. Domestic abusers flagged for markers get priority monitoring and risk assessments. The Minister meets the sector regularly to improve measures based on lessons learned from SDS40.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy