Context
Noting the significant rise in domestic abuse cases and questioning the adequacy of resources allocated by the Government to address this issue.
Question
What estimate has been made of the additional resources required by the CPS to tackle the potential increase in domestic abuse prosecutions as a result of the covid-19 lockdown? There has been an 83% increase in domestic abuse related crimes in Wales since 2015. The £85 million promised by Government to the CPS will go nowhere near the £225 million cuts made by the Government. What assurances can the Attorney General and Ministers give victims that the resourcing is sufficient for their cases to be dealt with effectively?
Answer from Michael Ellis (Attorney General)
The Government take cases of domestic abuse extremely seriously. Despite the challenges generated by the covid-19 pandemic, the CPS has shown its determination to bring perpetrators to justice and provide victims with the greatest possible protection from repeat offending. I thank the hon. Lady for that important question. The Government have recently announced a number of funding packages linked to domestic abuse post-covid, including £16.6 million from MHCLG to go to 75 local authority projects for delivery of support to victims of domestic abuse and their children; £3.1 million from the Home Office for specialist services for children affected directly and indirectly; and £28 million from a fund from the Chancellor for a package of support for survivors of domestic abuse and their children.
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