Domestic Violence Victim Support 2026-02-09
2026-02-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent faced process and communication failures after coming forward to report domestic abuse, resulting in the perpetrator avoiding prosecution. This case highlights concerns about victim support and safety.
I have a constituent who endured years of domestic abuse and came forward to Thames Valley police after seeking help. She was let down by poor processes and communication, leading to her abuser avoiding prosecution despite a positive charging decision. Now worried for her personal safety and with a PTSD diagnosis, what more can the Minister do to ensure victims are taken seriously so other cases like hers don't happen?
The Government have invested £13.1 million in a policing centre for tackling violence against women and girls, which aims to identify gaps in the system and establish nationwide standards for accountability. We are committed to improving processes so that victims do not face similar issues in future.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific new measures or timelines for preventing cases like the one described
We Would Save Ourselves A Lot Of Time And People A Lot Of Harm If We Just Got It Right In The First Place
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Derbyshire Wish, a local organisation providing support services to domestic violence victims, operates from the MP's office. The isolation of rural areas can make abuse harder to detect and address.
In my constituency, Derbyshire Wish offers vital support for domestic violence victims using my offices as a safe space. Rural communities face unique challenges in tackling this issue due to isolation. What specific steps is the Minister taking to ensure that police standards accommodate these rural needs?
I pay tribute to Derbyshire Wish and encourage others to do so. Rural communities face the same issues as urban ones, but with different needs. The Government will work with Members from rural areas to consider what needs to be done to ensure isolation is fully taken into account when writing police standards.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete actions or funding dedicated to tackling domestic abuse in rural areas
Rural Communities Experience Domestic Abuse The Same As Those In Urban Areas, But They Have Different Needs That Have To Be Met
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
How the police respond at the first instance of a domestic violence incident can be crucial for both criminal justice proceedings and on-ground interpretation. Given the Minister's interest in global best practices, will she consider looking into studies from Europe where mixed-gender patrols have been proven effective?
I thank the right hon. Gentleman and will ensure officials look up that study, committing to consider any evidence showing improvement in this area.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
While the Government's focus is on policing, only a minority of domestic violence victims interact with police services. The role of other judicial systems like family courts and civil courts is crucial.
Welcoming the Government's commitment to tackle violence against women and girls, I ask whether improvements in our criminal justice system will be complemented by enhancements within the family justice system to address domestic abuse more effectively?
While questions are often Home Office related, only 10% of domestic abuse victims ever interact with policing. Therefore, all elements including family courts and civil courts play a crucial role in the violence against women and girls strategy.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent endured years of abuse, faced process failures when reporting to the police, resulting in her perpetrator avoiding prosecution. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of current support systems.
My constituent endured years of domestic abuse and came forward to Thames Valley police after seeking help from local organisations. She was badly let down by poor processes leading to her abuser avoiding prosecution despite a positive decision. Worried for her personal safety with PTSD, what additional measures will ensure other victims do not face similar circumstances?
The Government have invested £13.1 million in a policing centre focusing on tackling violence against women and girls, seeking to improve accountability and address system gaps.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide new specific measures or timelines for preventing similar ineffective support cases
We Would Save Ourselves A Lot Of Time And People A Lot Of Harm If We Just Got It Right In The First Place
Response accuracy