Violence Against Women and Girls 2022-03-24
2022-03-24
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the number of prosecutions related to violence against women and girls.
What steps she is taking to increase the number of prosecutions relating to violence against women and girls?
Tackling violence against women and girls is a central mission of this Government and, indeed, of independent prosecutors. More than 10,400 suspects were charged with domestic abuse offences in the most recent quarter for which data is available, with a conviction rate of more than 75%. Following a successful spending review, the Crown Prosecution Service is recruiting prosecutors and other staff to ensure that even more victims see justice done.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps taken by the government to increase prosecutions are not detailed beyond general statements about recruitment and existing statistics.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent provided video evidence of indecent exposure by a neighbour towards his young daughters, but the CPS declined to prosecute due to lack of evidence.
One of my constituents has provided multiple pieces of video evidence and repeatedly reported indecent exposure by a neighbour, aimed at his young daughters. The police repeatedly changed the staff who were handling the case, and then the CPS declined to prosecute for lack of evidence and because the flasher had moved. Will the Attorney General empower the CPS to prosecute more such crimes so that women and girls can have faith in the justice system to help them?
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising that important case. Under the victims code that we introduced in April last year, victims have the opportunity to seek a right to review—in other words, a right to ask the CPS to reconsider a decision—and I know many individuals will take up that opportunity. We have outlawed several offences, such as upskirting, coercive control and non-fatal strangulation, to ensure that more victims get the justice they deserve.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not address whether the Attorney General will empower CPS to prosecute more cases but instead refers to new laws and the right of review for victims.
Response accuracy