Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Domestic Violence

Tuesday 28 April 2020 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions have addressed the capacity of the CPS to investigate increased domestic violence cases during the covid-19 outbreak.
  • Calls to the national domestic abuse helpline have increased by almost 50%, with 16 deaths of women and children linked to domestic violence in the first three weeks of lockdown.
  • The CPS is implementing measures to allow virtual court hearings and pre-recorded cross-examinations for vulnerable victims.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The MP raised concerns about the capacity of the Crown Prosecution Service during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting an increase in reported domestic abuse cases.

Question

What discussions has she had with the Director of Public Prosecutions on the capacity of the CPS to investigate the increase in domestic violence cases during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Suella Braverman

There is no doubt whatsoever that this Government take domestic abuse and the pain that it causes extremely seriously, and that is especially the case at this time. The Crown Prosecution Service is wholly committed to ensuring that the perpetrators of this horrendous crime face justice and that victims are supported through what is often a very traumatic process.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details about specific discussions or steps taken with DPP on CPS capacity were not provided.

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Q2 Carolyn Harris Lab Neath and Swansea East
Crime & Law Enforcement Women & Equalities
Context

The MP highlighted an increase in calls to the national helpline during lockdown, raising concerns about the CPS's guidance for prioritization.

Question

Calls to the national domestic abuse helpline have increased by almost 50%, and 16 deaths of women and children were linked to domestic violence in the first three weeks of lockdown. With the CPS issuing new guidance as a result of the pandemic that advises prosecutors to prioritize the most serious cases, what assurances can the Attorney General provide that domestic abuse cases will fall into that category?

Answer from Suella Braverman

I thank the hon. Lady for her considerable work on this subject and her courage in speaking out about this matter. I myself represented victims of domestic abuse during my time as a lawyer. I have seen how devastating it can be, and I share her goal in wanting to eliminate this scourge from our society. I am very concerned about the rise in domestic abuse offending during lockdown. That is why the Government have invested an extra £2 million at the frontline for online services and phone lines so that there is help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for those victims who need it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No assurances were given specifically on prioritizing domestic abuse cases under new CPS guidance.

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Q3 Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The MP emphasized the need for proper prosecution of domestic violence cases during the pandemic, questioning steps to avoid delays.

Question

It is vital that cases of domestic violence are properly prosecuted during this covid-19 crisis. To avoid delays in prosecution, are the Government taking the necessary steps to enable the most serious cases to be heard through virtual court hearings where necessary?

Answer from Suella Braverman

The hon. Gentleman makes a very important point. We need to go as far as we possibly can to support vulnerable victims throughout the court process. The CPS is at the forefront of implementing section 28 pre-recorded cross-examination, which aims to allow vulnerable victims to give evidence in advance of trial so that they can have a better experience of the process.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific steps were mentioned for enabling virtual court hearings.

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Q4 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The MP congratulated the Attorney General and raised concerns about victims' fears of reprisals when giving evidence against perpetrators.

Question

I congratulate my right hon. and learned Friend on her new post; I am sure that she will do an excellent job.<br/>With 100 arrests a day for alleged domestic violence in London alone, clearly the problem is getting worse. What action can my right hon. and learned Friend take to ensure that the victims of domestic abuse feel safe to give evidence against the perpetrators? At the moment, they fear reprisals and are not in a safe position.

Answer from Suella Braverman

This is an important point. A range of protections is available for victims so that they can give evidence in such situations. Prosecutors can apply for special measures, including a screen, or for evidence to be given via video link, so that victims do not need to have contact with their abuser in the trial process.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific actions were detailed regarding how victims would feel safe giving evidence.

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Q5 Edward Timpson Con
Crime & Law Enforcement Safeguarding & DBS Children & Families
Context

The MP emphasized the importance of support for victims during the pandemic and highlighted the Domestic Abuse Bill.

Question

It cannot be emphasised enough how important it is that victims of domestic abuse get the support that they need during this very difficult time. Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that this often-hidden scourge, which affects children as well as adults, must be a priority for the Government at all times, as is demonstrated by the commitments in the Domestic Abuse Bill?

Answer from Suella Braverman

My hon. Friend speaks with authority about child safeguarding, based on his practice as a barrister and his time in government as a Minister. These crimes are abhorrent, and those who commit them must not be let off the hook. Today, the landmark Domestic Abuse Bill returns to the Commons for its Second Reading. I am very proud to have personally supported this landmark legislation that provides support—legal and otherwise—for victims of domestic abuse, including children, so that we as a nation take a step further towards eliminating domestic abuse.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitments were provided beyond the mention of the Domestic Abuse Bill.

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Q6 Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The MP congratulated the Attorney General, highlighted anticipated rise in domestic abuse during lockdown, and questioned current CPS workload.

Question

I congratulate the Attorney General on her appointment; likewise, I look forward to a constructive working relationship with her.<br/>Charities and police forces across the country anticipated a rise in domestic abuse during the lockdown. Indeed, the Met is currently arresting an average of 100 people a day, with charges and cautions up 24%. Devastatingly, domestic abuse killings doubled in the first three weeks of lockdown. Meanwhile, in January, a report by the Crown Prosecution Service inspectorate stated that the domestic abuse case load for both the CPS and police had increased by 88%, against the backdrop of a 25% reduction in funding, therefore stretching prosecutors' workload and forcing them to make difficult decisions about priorities. I am extremely grateful for what the AG has said, but I urge her to significantly increase funding—

Answer from Suella Braverman

I am acutely concerned by the rise in domestic abuse offences in lockdown, and I want to make two points. First, the Domestic Abuse Bill, which returns to the Commons today, will involve the allocation of £3.1 million to services supporting children who witness domestic abuse in the house during lockdown.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific funding increases were promised beyond mentioning the existing bill's allocations.

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