Violence against Women and Girls 2022-11-30
2022-11-30
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner asks about discussions on tackling violence against women and girls, referencing the government's strategy and plan.
What recent discussions has she had with Cabinet colleagues on tackling violence against women and girls? She notes that significant progress was made since publishing the cross-Government tackling violence against women and girls strategy and the tackling domestic abuse plan. The national communications campaign “Enough” was launched, resulting in tens of thousands of visits to the website.
Tackling violence against women and girls is a Government priority. Significant progress has been made since publishing the cross-Government tackling violence against women and girls strategy and the tackling domestic abuse plan, including launching our national communications campaign “Enough” and allocating £55 million of extra funding for CCTV and street lighting to prevent these crimes.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues were not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
New statistics show that only one in ten victims of partner abuse reported it to the police last year. The questioner mentions the Solihull murders as an example of the importance of a strong police response.
He asks if the Minister will listen to Labour and put a domestic abuse specialist in 999 control rooms so that victims who are most at risk can be identified and helped quickly.
The hon. Member is right to raise this issue, as it highlights the importance of a robust response to domestic abuse. The Government introduced the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 last year and supports prevention, education, supporting victims, pursuing perpetrators, and doing sensitive police work.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about putting specialists in control rooms was not addressed
Took No Lessons From The Opposition
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner references shocking levels of racist and sexist abuse uncovered in the London Fire Brigade. The review describes women having to run a daily gauntlet of sexist abuse, including video calls from men exposing themselves.
She asks if this will finally be the wake-up call that the Government needs to class misogyny as a hate crime in law.
The Government support proper education to protect people, including women and all other vulnerable people within the force. The Minister looks forward to Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, tackling this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about classifying misogyny as a hate crime was not addressed
Ask Her Own Leaders First
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Law Commission recommended a year ago that public sexual harassment should be made a specific crime. The questioner asks if the Minister agrees with Plan International, Girl Guides, Soroptimist International, Our Streets Now, and many other organisations in supporting the Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Bill.
Does she agree with these organizations and will she either back the Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Bill or bring forward her own legislation?
The Minister thanks the right hon. Friend for her work and says that organisations such as the Girl Guides usually have merit in their recommendations. She asks to be patient, expecting some news in this space very soon.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or action was not provided
Slightly More Patience
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Following White Ribbon day, the questioner highlights that only 1.5% of reported rape and sexual violence offences resulted in a conviction last year.
She asks why the Government will not introduce three measures: specialist rape courts, rape and domestic abuse specialists in every police force, and the domestic violence register.
The Government have undertaken a committed review of that area, including no adult rape crime victim left without a phone for more than 24 hours. The Minister expects all courts to deal with rape properly.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to the measures was not provided
Response accuracy