Domestic Abuse Victim Protection
2020-11-09
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the government's efforts to support victims of domestic abuse, particularly due to the impact of national restrictions.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to long-term funding beyond March as requested.
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