Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19 Lockdown: Domestic Abuse Prosecutions

Thursday 10 December 2020 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • CPS received an 85 million uplift last year to bolster resources for tackling domestic abuse prosecutions.
  • Domestic abuse cases are among the highest priorities in the court system, with specific guidance from the senior presiding judge.
  • Government is working on a new Domestic Abuse Bill and a wider action plan to protect victims and their children.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

During the COVID-19 lockdown, there was an increase in domestic abuse cases due to social isolation measures. The CPS faced challenges in managing this increased caseload.

Question

I am concerned about the adequacy of CPS resources to tackle the rise in domestic abuse prosecutions during the pandemic. Can you provide an assessment?

Answer from Michael Ellis

The CPS is determined to bring perpetrators of domestic abuse to justice and provide protection for victims despite the pandemic. After an £85 million uplift last year, recruitment has continued to bolster our resources and ensure cases progress through the courts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment of adequacy was not provided

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Q2 Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Justice & Courts
Context

There was an 88% increase in domestic abuse cases while CPS resources decreased by 23%, leading to concerns about the ability to manage this caseload effectively.

Question

The Solicitor General will be aware of the 88% increase in case load and the 70% drop in resources to deal with that. What urgency can he inject to address this pressing issue?

Answer from Michael Ellis

Domestic abuse cases are among our highest priorities in the court system, with guidance issued by the senior presiding judge for England and Wales on listing in magistrates courts. The CPS continues to work across Government, recognising this as a priority.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or urgency not mentioned

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Q3 Andrea Leadsom Con
Crime & Law Enforcement NHS Safeguarding & DBS
Context

Up to 30% of domestic violence cases begin during pregnancy, leading to concerns about the impact on unborn children.

Question

My right hon. and learned Friend will be aware that up to 30% of domestic violence starts during pregnancy. Can he tell me what the CPS is doing to protect vulnerable babies from this toxic environment?

Answer from Michael Ellis

The Government are working on a new Domestic Abuse Bill and a wider action plan to protect victims and their children. NHS staff now receive mandatory safeguarding training, including focus on domestic abuse. Multi-agency partnership work is strengthened through 'Working Together to Safeguard Children'.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific CPS actions not detailed

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