Domestic Violence Prosecutions
2021-02-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions on reasons for changes in domestic abuse prosecution rates.
What discussions she has had with the Crown Prosecution Service on (a) identifying and (b) publishing the reasons for the change in the rate of prosecutions relating to domestic abuse in the last 12 months?
The Government take tackling domestic abuse seriously, shown by the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Bill. The CPS is working to deliver justice and protect the public with a 12-month programme for narrowing disparity between reporting and outcomes.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific reasons for change in prosecution rates were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over reduction in specialist domestic violence courts.
Will the Minister commit to strengthening the system and increasing the number of specialised courts to support police and victims, given that about a fifth of crimes reported during lockdown involved domestic abuse?
We are looking at ways to support those engaged in this work. Funding packages for dealing with the effects of covid-19 on domestic abuse have been announced, and a memorandum of understanding across the criminal justice system supports multi-agency pre-hearing case progression.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment to increase specialized courts was given.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over continuing decline in domestic abuse prosecutions before and during the pandemic.
Despite the Minister's claims, domestic abuse prosecutions continue to drop with an annual decrease of 22% pre-pandemic. What pre-emptive actions are being taken now to stop this trend?
The reality is that all prosecutions have been affected by the pandemic, but domestic abuse cases remain among the highest priority. Guidance has confirmed prioritisation for high-risk domestic abuse cases where defendants are held in custody.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific pre-emptive actions were detailed.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over increasing wait times and civil cases being suggested instead of criminal prosecution.
With 19% drop in prosecutions and months-long waits for trials, will the Solicitor General support the Bar Council's call for non-means-tested legal aid to be available in the spending review?
The CPS best practice framework seeks to address withdrawal rates by delivering high-quality service and encouraging timely court listings. Holistic support is provided where appropriate, but immediate court listing cannot be guaranteed.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment on non-means-tested legal aid was given.
Response accuracy