Support for Victims of Crime 2022-07-05
2022-07-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP asks about plans to improve support services for crime victims.
What are the Government's specific plans and commitments to enhance support for victims of crime, including funding increases and policy improvements?
Our landmark victims Bill will improve support for victims and help them expect fair treatment from the criminal justice system. Funding for victim and witness support services is increased to £192 million by 2024-25, quadrupling since 2009-10. This funding supports a 43% increase in independent sexual and domestic violence advisers and introduces a 24/7 support line for victims of rape and sexual violence.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A six-year-old girl was tragically killed, and her mother waited over a year due to delayed blood sample testing. The MP proposes an amendment to section 7 of the Road Traffic Act.
Would my hon. Friend support amending section 7 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 for mandatory blood testing without permission where loss of life occurs, providing victims with quicker answers?
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 was recently introduced, tightening offences and introducing a new careless driving causing serious injury offence. The Department for Transport is launching a call for evidence on motoring offences to engage with the hon. Friend.
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Assessment & feedback
Support for amendment proposal not explicitly stated
The Measures Introduced Reflect The Devastating Harm Caused By These Crimes, But Does Not Directly Address The Specific Amendment Request.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The draft victims Bill is seen as a step forward. The MP questions if proper funding is essential.
Does my hon. Friend agree that adequate funding is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of victim support services in Devon and elsewhere?
The victims Bill focuses on improving quality and consistency, backed by £192 million by 2024-25, quadrupling since 2009-10, along with a multi-year commitment to give victim support services confidence to plan for the future.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Violent sexual offenders have escaped from a Lincolnshire prison, causing anxiety among constituents. The MP asks about measures to prevent such incidents.
What specific actions are being taken to ensure that violent offenders do not escape again and cause further harm?
We are tightening open prison rules with a three-step test and greater ministerial oversight, which is expected to provide confidence regarding prisoner absconding issues.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent, Sheila Whitehouse, suffered life-changing injuries aiding a neighbour attacked by a dog. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority did not compensate her adequately.
Will the Minister review eligibility criteria to allow compensation through the CICA for those injured in similar circumstances as Sheila's?
The criminal injuries compensation scheme compensates victims of violent crimes with strict eligibility criteria. An animal attack is a crime only if the animal was used deliberately for injury; thus, expanding definitions would extend beyond original intentions and response is pending.
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Assessment & feedback
Review request not directly addressed
The Scheme Has Strict Criteria And We Are Cautious About Expanding Its Scope Without Due Consideration.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
When will the Department set a timetable for implementing the urgent funding required by Sir Christopher Bellamy's review?
The Under-Secretary of State for Justice will answer questions on this matter from Members. The Opposition supported the Bellamy review outcomes and we are working to deliver them.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timetable not provided
Redirecting To Another Minister
Acknowledging Support But Avoiding Specific Commitment
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The question concerns the government's response to a case involving the promotion of a former Foreign Office Minister who had engaged in predatory sexual behaviour, despite warnings from officials.
As we have heard, Members on both sides of the House want victims' needs to be put first, so why did the Secretary of State tour the TV studios to defend the Prime Minister for ignoring the victim of predatory sexual behaviour by a former Foreign Office Minister when he promoted him to Deputy Chief Whip, despite having been alerted to that behaviour by the permanent under-secretary and despite the Minister in question having admitted to the behaviour?
My clear understanding is that the hon. Gentleman is wrong about that, but of course it is right that the processes that have been set out should be allowed to run their course. All hon. Members take a very dim view of people being ill-treated and it is right that due process can now be followed. What is not in question is the Government's determination to ensure that outcomes for victims are better; the funding and the measures in the Bill are there, and we will get on and deliver that.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific defence of the Prime Minister's decision was denied by the Secretary of State but not substantively addressed. The response focused more on due process and the government's commitment to victims' needs without directly addressing the accusation about defending the promotion decision.
Denying The Claim
Focusing On General Principles
Response accuracy