Victims of Domestic Violence Court Proceedings 2024-03-26
2024-03-26
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from ongoing concerns about the court system's handling of domestic violence cases, with specific mention of insufficient mediation and trauma for victims.
What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that victims of domestic violence are protected throughout court proceedings?
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 was transformative with protections for domestic abuse victims through the justice system, including up-front legal aid for protective orders and prohibitions on cross-examination by perpetrators. The Ministry of Justice is conducting a pilot program in Dorset and north Wales to prevent cases from going straight to trial without mediation.
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Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question stems from cases where family issues proceed to trial without mediation, causing additional trauma for all involved.
Can the Minister assure me that we will always place the victim at the forefront of court proceedings in these circumstances?
A harms panel commissioned by the Ministry conducted a pilot program focusing on less adversarial methods to resolve domestic abuse allegations early, reducing trauma. The successful model will be rolled out nationally starting next month in south-east Wales and Birmingham.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
In 2023, there were 67,938 reported rapes with only 2,008 convictions. Victims often face lengthy waits and use of counselling notes which discourages participation.
What will the Minister do to ensure that victims and survivors are supported throughout the court process?
Operation Soteria has improved rape prosecutions; independent sexual violence advisers provide continuous support from police involvement to trial conclusion. This system helps prevent victims from withdrawing their cases due to lack of support, as seen in recent improvements in case handling and prosecution numbers.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the need to ensure comprehensive support for victims of domestic abuse throughout all legal proceedings.
What work is happening to ensure that victims of domestic abuse are supported throughout the entire process?
Independent domestic violence advisers help victims every step of the way. A pilot program launching next month will introduce domestic abuse protection orders allowing police or victims to seek court-ordered protections against perpetrators.
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by Scotland's initiative providing free court transcripts to victims of serious crimes, while the UK Government offers only a limited one-year pilot scheme.
Will the Justice Secretary meet Juliana and me to discuss matching the Scottish scheme which provides free access to court transcripts?
A Courts Minister has committed to meet to discuss the matter. A pilot program will provide free sentencing remarks in serious crime cases, addressing the high costs previously faced by victims for full trial transcripts.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for a meeting with Juliana and the MP was acknowledged but not concretely committed to beyond 'discussing the matter'.
Under Review
Response accuracy