Victims of Domestic Abuse Criminal Justice System 2026-02-03
2026-02-03
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Questions & Answers
Q1
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Multiple constituents have shared their experiences of fear and distress while waiting to testify against their abusers, highlighting inconsistencies in protective measures.
A number of my constituents have shared with me the terror they feel when lining up to get into court and then sitting in a waiting room before going to court, sometimes with their accused abuser or perpetrator. On some occasions, special arrangements have been put in place, but this has been very hit and miss. Will the Minister look at how the arrangements for protecting survivors and supporting them to get to court without seeing their abuser can be made standard practice, so that they can safely navigate from the street to the courtroom?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this really important issue. Ensuring that witnesses and victims can give their best evidence in court is vital if we are to achieve prosecution of these awful crimes. We are introducing legislation to improve access to special measures for witnesses and victims, including permitting victims to be accompanied while giving evidence, separate entrances and exits, and the provision of pre-recorded cross-examination.
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Q2
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Charities in Bath are working together to provide services for navigating the justice system, but they require national coordination.
I recently brought together several domestic abuse charities in Bath, such as Developing Health and Independence, Voices, and the Nelson Trust. They all agree it is critical that organisations work together rather than compete in an environment of limited resources. What can be done nationally to bring these organisations together?
The hon. Lady is totally right to raise that point. We talk a lot about multi-agency working, but it is difficult to put into practice. As she will be aware, just before Christmas we published the “Freedom from Violence and Abuse” strategy on how we can tackle violence against women and girls with multi-agency working at a national level and practices and applications at its heart.
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Q3
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There is a concern that victims of violence against women and girls might be excluded from discussions about restricting jury trials.
I welcome the action taken to reduce court backlogs, especially for cases involving violence against women and girls. What consultation has been held with victims’ organisations and charities regarding plans to restrict jury trials? We must ensure that these victims are at the heart of any reforms to the courts system so they can be satisfied that timely justice will be delivered.
It is right that victims are put back at the heart of our criminal justice system. The Minister for Courts and Legal Services, my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Finchley and Golders Green (Sarah Sackman) and I have met many victims of horrific crimes to hear about how court delays have impacted on them.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not directly address consultation with victim organisations regarding plans to restrict jury trials, focusing instead on the general importance of victim voices in criminal justice reform.
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Q4
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Operation Crossbow, a Cheshire police initiative to arrest perpetrators of domestic violence, was praised for its effectiveness. There are concerns that plans to merge 43 forces into 12 might undermine such operations.
Will the Deputy Prime Minister join me in congratulating Cheshire Police, led by Chief Constable Mark Roberts, on its well-executed Operation Crossbow? More than 40 perpetrators of domestic violence wanted by the police and courts were arrested. Does he agree that merging 43 forces into 12 risks undermining such operations?
I commend the work of brilliant police forces up and down the country doing work to tackle domestic abuse. The hon. Member will know that it was a Labour party manifesto commitment to halve the levels of violence against women and girls, which is exactly what she is talking about with what is happening in practice in Cheshire. This Labour Government are delivering for Cheshire and her constituency.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not address the specific concern about merging police forces impacting local initiatives such as Operation Crossbow, instead praising general efforts to tackle domestic abuse.
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