Violence against Women Criminal Justice System 2025-07-08
2025-07-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent wrote to Dr Chambers expressing frustration over missed deadlines in a Crown Prosecution Service investigation, leading to financial control by her abuser and inability to secure child maintenance.
After years of high-risk domestic abuse, a woman from Winchester went through a CID investigation to prove she needed financial separation but the police missed the Crown Prosecution Service investigation deadline. No charges were brought, leaving her unable to secure child maintenance while her abuser remains in control. What discussions is the Minister having with colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions and HMRC to ensure that perpetrators of domestic abuse can no longer use financial systems to maintain power over their victims?
We have a cross-Government strategy on tackling violence against women and girls, including economic abuse. Along with the Safeguarding Minister, I regularly meet Treasury and DWP colleagues to address this issue, and we will publish our strategy in the coming months.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on discussions or concrete actions regarding financial control by abusers
We Are Considering
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
At least 57% of women in prison and on probation are victim-survivors of domestic abuse, with many cases linking alleged offending to experiences of the abuse.
What consideration has the Minister given to the introduction of an effective defence for domestic abuse victims who use force against their abusers or are coerced into offending?
We are actively considering this matter, including work by the Women’s Justice Board and reviews by David Gauke and Baroness Casey. I will happily work with my hon. Friend to develop further policies on this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The murder of Sarah Everard sparked a national debate about restrictions placed on what victims' families could say during victim impact statements.
Does the Minister think it is wrong that restrictions are placed on what victims and their relatives can say in their impact statements?
We are considering how to best represent victims' voices in court and at sentencing. We will update him on our discussions about ensuring victims are represented in the criminal justice system.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct opinion or commitment to amend restrictions
We Are Considering
Debated In Committee
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent survived violent economic abuse, including occupation of her property without consent and vandalism, leading to delays in civil court proceedings.
What steps can the Government take both to support survivors who are living through this kind of hell and to speed up legal proceedings preventing my constituent from being free once again?
We are developing policy work, including co-habiting couples’ rights and working across Government with MHCLG, Treasury, and DWP to tackle all elements of violence against women and girls, including economic abuse. I will update him on these discussions in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details or timelines for support measures or expediting legal proceedings
Developing Policy Work
Working Across Government
Response accuracy