Violence against Women and Girls 2023-03-28
2023-03-28
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from efforts to address violence against women and girls.
What steps his Department is taking to reform the criminal justice system to help tackle violence against women and girls?
The Government are taking a zero-tolerance approach to violence against women and girls. Just this month, in response to the Wade review, we announced tougher sentences for domestic abusers who kill their partners and ex-partners.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The HM Inspectorate of Probation published a report on Jordan McSweeney, following the murder of Zara Aleena.
Have the Government yet implemented the urgent actions set out in the Serious Further Offences report into Jordan McSweeney?
I have met Zara Aleena's family and the chief inspector of probation to talk about those failings. We have accepted all of the recommendations. I can write to the hon. Gentleman in relation to those, because they were numerous, but we are in the process of implementing each and every one of them.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Rape Crisis report found that rape survivors are waiting a long time for their cases to be heard.
When will the Government fully commit to rolling out specialist rape courts in every Crown court in the country?
The hon. Lady raises a very important issue. As she knows, we have already rolled out specialist rape courts in Snaresbrook, London, Leeds and Newcastle. We have introduced the 24/7 rape and serious sexual violence support line, along with a range of other initiatives, including quadrupling the funding for victims since 2010.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment to rolling out specialist rape courts in every Crown court was not addressed directly.
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The Government introduced the pre-recorded cross-examination under section 28.
What arrangements have now been made to finalise the conditions and terms of payment for section 28 proceedings?
I thank the Chair of the Select Committee for his question. We have already introduced the statutory instrument to increase that uplift for those lawyers conducting the section 28 pre-recorded evidence. It has now been rolled out nationwide and it will start to make a difference.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy