Harassment and Violence against Women and Girls 2023-04-26

2023-04-26

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Sharon Hodgson Lab
Washington and Gateshead South
Context
The question stems from the high prevalence of harassment faced by women in public spaces, with 71% experiencing such incidents. The Northumbria police and crime commissioner launched a bystander training initiative to combat this issue.
What steps is the Government taking to encourage similar positive action across other regions to tackle misogyny at its root?
The Government has provided £3.6 million to the safer streets fund and safety of women at night fund, aiming to encourage similar positive action across other places. The hon. Lady is right to highlight the importance of addressing misogyny through active bystander training.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide a clear commitment on encouraging proactive measures against misogyny in various locations nationwide.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Sharon Hodgson Lab
Washington and Gateshead South
Context
71% of women have experienced harassment in public spaces, yet many people accept this behaviour or lack the confidence to confront it. The Northumbria police and crime commissioner's initiative for active bystander training is highlighted as a positive example.
What measures will the Government take to encourage similar initiatives to prevent assault and address misogyny across other regions?
The Northumbria police and crime commissioner's work is highlighted as a positive example, with £3.6 million provided for similar initiatives under safer streets and safety of women at night funds. The Government will review this issue carefully and engage stakeholders.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide concrete commitments or specific actions to replicate such initiatives in other regions.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Caroline Nokes Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Context
Violence against women and girls is prevalent not just in the UK but globally, especially in countries like Iran and Afghanistan. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office leads support for human rights.
What work is underway across Government to ensure that the UK is actively addressing global violence against girls, particularly through proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran?
This issue is managed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The Government use sanctions as a key tool to address oppression of women abroad, including considering proscribing organizations such as the Iranian authorities involved in human rights violations.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific actions or funding amounts related to addressing global violence against girls.
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Yasmin Qureshi Lab
Bolton South and Walkden
Context
Last year, nearly 5,000 spiking incidents were reported to the police in England and Wales. The issue is prevalent in the night-time economy.
When will the Government make spiking a separate criminal offence given its prevalence and impact on victims?
The Government are reviewing spiking incidents with stakeholders. Adequate criminal offences exist for this behavior, but specific funding has been provided and better testing methods are in place. The aim is to encourage victims to come forward when spiked.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not commit to establishing spiking as a separate criminal offence.
Response accuracy