Violence Against Women and Girls 2022-03-22
2022-03-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question follows the government's publication of their tackling violence against women and girls strategy.
What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to tackle violence against women and girls. Specifically, what measures are being taken to address sexual offences and domestic abuse?
The Government set out their ambitious tackling violence against women and girls strategy which includes plans to roll out pre-recorded cross-examination in Crown courts, give victims of domestic abuse more time to report common assault incidents, and launch a national 24/7 helpline for rape and sexual assault victims.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from a Labour proposal to implement serious measures for ending violence against women and girls.
Will the Minister now commit to working with the Labour party to implement their important proposals detailed in their Green Paper? It is crucial given its life-and-death implications.
The Minister notes the importance of tackling violence against women and girls, references working with colleagues across the House during the passage of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, and highlights funding for victims in Wales. She acknowledges the need to change behaviors and attitudes contributing to such crimes.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to working specifically with Labour on their Green Paper proposals is not explicitly given
I Note That Throughout The Passage Of The Domestic Abuse Act 2021, I Was Delighted To Work With Colleagues Across The House.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The backlog of court cases means victims of rape are facing significant delays in getting justice.
Will the Minister carry out an immediate review into setting up specialist rape courts, as recommended by joint inspectorates? This is urgent to ensure that justice can be done and public safety maintained.
The Minister references the rape review conducted for the investigation and prosecution of offences, noting tentative increases in convictions but emphasizing ongoing work with police and CPS to make progress. She did not provide a commitment to an immediate review or setting up specialist rape courts.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Immediate review or setting up specialist rape courts is not committed to
I Do Hope The Hon. Gentleman In His, I Imagine, Copious Free Time Now That He Has Crossed The Floor, Is Able To Read The Rape Review
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Safer Transport Northumbria app aims to address safety concerns on public transport.
Does the Minister agree that the Safer Transport Northumbria app is a brilliant initiative and will she commit to providing more funding for our region to tackle violence against women and girls?
The Minister welcomes local initiatives like the Safer Transport Northumbria app, mentions national efforts including outlawing cyber-flashing on public transport and elsewhere through provisions introduced in the Online Safety Bill. No specific commitment to additional funding is made.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to providing more funding for the north-east is not given
I Welcome Local Initiatives Such As The One That The Hon. Member Describes.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Law Commission will publish recommended changes to criminal law addressing intimate image sharing without consent.
Will the Minister include those changes in the Online Safety Bill through Government amendments before it reaches the Lords, or will she look for others to do that on her behalf?
The Minister acknowledges the complexity of the law and refers to efforts made by the government, including outlawing cyber-flashing. She notes that they await results from the Law Commission's advice and will look carefully at implementing any such changes recommended in summer.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to immediate implementation through Government amendments is not given
We Have Asked The Law Commission To Advise Us On That Very Complicated Area Of Law.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Ministry of Justice figures show lenient sentencing trends for rapists.
Does the Minister agree that a 17% rate of less than five-year sentences for rapists is incredibly lenient? Will she back Labour's call for minimum seven-year sentences, or will the Government continue to be tough on victims and soft on crime?
The Minister acknowledges the shared determination to crack down on perpetrators but notes regret over Labour's decision not to support Government measures in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill which requires serious offenders to spend more time in prison when receiving sentences of between four and seven years.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Discussion shifted towards criticizing opposition instead of addressing sentencing reform directly
I Know That The Hon. Lady And I Share A Determination To Crack Down On The Perpetrators Of Vile Crimes.
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The government has not acted on Labour's call for a review into sentences for spiking offences and the introduction of minimum sentences for stalking.
That is precisely what Labour's proposals would have achieved. The Government are not just letting victims down on sentences for rape; the Government have failed to act despite Labour's call for a review into sentences for spiking offences and the introduction of minimum sentences for stalking. The Minister has an opportunity to show that the Government are serious about tackling violence against women and girls by backing Labour's proposals. Will she do that today?
Forgive me, but the hon. Lady seems to have misunderstood how legislation happens in this place. Labour Members had the chance to vote for rapists to spend longer in prison through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill; they did not just abstain, but voted against that. I entreat the Labour party to consider acting and putting real pressure behind their warm words and to stand with the Government to ensure that rapists spend longer in prison. That is what the Government are doing, and we will achieve that through the good work of Conservative colleagues.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific proposals for sentences on spiking offences and stalking were not addressed.
Criticising Labour'S Voting Record
Challenging The Questioner'S Understanding
Response accuracy