Violence Against Women and Girls 2022-02-08
2022-02-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the safety of women and girls in his constituency.
What steps his Department is taking to tackle violence against women and girls. The Government has set out an ambitious strategy to change attitudes, support victims, and pursue perpetrators.
The Government's tackling violence against women and girls strategy includes rolling out section 28 video-recorded evidence in sexual and modern slavery cases nationally, helping victims of domestic abuse to report common assaults through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, and launching a national 24/7 support service for victims of rape and sexual assault.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The UN estimates that 2 million extra girls are at risk of FGM due to the pandemic. The UK committed to eliminate harmful practices by 2030.
Is the UK on track to meet its targets for eliminating female genital mutilation (FGM) by 2030, despite the increased risks posed by the pandemic?
The Government is committed to eliminating female genital mutilation. We are supporting victims through the tackling violence against women and girls strategy, educating people that FGM is not a fit practice for the 21st century, and addressing this issue over the last decade.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific targets or measures to meet by 2030 were not provided
Under Review
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
A woman has approached the MP for help, describing her long-term trauma from a teenage rape.
What support is available to women who have experienced sexual assault decades ago and lack trust in the police or criminal justice system?
We are addressing failings in the criminal justice system for prosecuting sexual assault and rape cases. The Ministry of Justice campaign #ItStillMatters aims to give victims confidence in the system. A sexual violence helpline is being established to support such individuals.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Cyber-flashing and deep fake pornography are forms of online violence against women that are not illegal.
What plans does the Minister have to address cyber-flashing and deep fake pornography, which are currently legal?
The Government is looking for a legislative vehicle to outlaw cyber-flashing. On deep fake imagery, advice from the Law Commission is sought to update general laws to better reflect modern practices.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Many women are incarcerated for low-level summary offences, impacting them and their families. A residential women's centre in Wales is planned.
Can the Minister provide an update on the progress of a new residential women's centre in Wales that will offer accommodation and rehabilitation to vulnerable female offenders?
Progress is being made on plans for a residential women's centre in Wales to provide accommodation and rehabilitation for vulnerable female offenders. The aim is to offer an alternative to prison sentencing for certain cases, but more details are not available at this time.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific progress or timeline was not provided
In Due Course
Looking Seriously
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
At a roundtable with rape survivors, victims reported feeling disheartened by the criminal justice system's inefficiency. Only 1.3% of rape cases are prosecuted, taking an average of 1,000 days to reach court.
Victims have come to terms with their trauma but struggle with how they were treated by the criminal justice system due to delays and low prosecution rates. Will the Minister support Labour's plan for legal advocates from reporting through trial or continue failing in tackling violence against women?
The Government has welcomed victim feedback through its consultation on the Victims Bill. It aims to provide safeguards similar to those requested by Labour. Currently, funding for independent domestic and sexual violence advisers is available to support victims from reporting to trial. Additionally, a 24-hour helpline for victims of sexual violence is being set up as an initial step before police involvement. The Minister hopes the Opposition will support the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill which includes measures to keep violent offenders in prison longer.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about Labour's plans for legal advocates was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy