Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Domestic Abuse: Victim Protection

Monday 9 November 2020 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Harriett Baldwin questioned the Department's steps to protect victims of domestic abuse.
  • The Minister acknowledged the impact of restrictions on domestic abuse victims and emphasized the Department's programme of work.
  • Baldwin raised concerns about delays in Crown court cases due to system backlogs and the coronavirus crisis.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire
Crime & Law Enforcement Women & Equalities
Context

The MP inquired about the government's efforts to support victims of domestic abuse, particularly due to the impact of national restrictions.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to protect victims of domestic abuse. I thank the Minister for listing that extensive programme of work. One of the reasons why I backed last week's national restrictions with such a heavy heart was their impact on domestic abuse. Will the Minister say loud and clear from the Dispatch Box that one of the reasons that someone can leave their home is to flee abuse?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

I thank my hon. Friend for raising that really important point. I know that hon. Members across the House will very much have borne in mind the impact that further restrictions may have on victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Victims of domestic abuse can and must leave their home address to seek help, if they are able to. The Prime Minister made this clear in his public statement at little over a week ago.

Answered
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Q2 Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

The MP highlighted a backlog of around 50,000 Crown court cases due to cuts to the court system and the pandemic. She mentioned that some trials are delayed by up to two years.

Question

Due to a decade of cutbacks to our court system and the coronavirus crisis, there is a backlog of around 50,000 Crown court cases. Trials such as these are being delayed, in some cases by up to two years. In light of these delays to justice, will the Minister answer the calls for sustainable, long-term funding beyond March for community-based domestic and sexual violence advisers?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

I am grateful to the hon. Lady for raising the point of courts. Under this set of restrictions, the court system remains open; some were closed last time but criminal and family courts remained operational, prioritising cases related to domestic abuse. The Government are investing in more perpetrator programmes to stop the cycle of abuse and piloting integrated domestic abuse courts for easier access to justice.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to long-term funding beyond March as requested.

How: Working On This

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