Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Domestic Violence

Thursday 18 March 2021 · 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

  • Stephen Morgan raised concerns about the decrease in domestic abuse prosecutions and asked what actions the Attorney General is taking to prevent a repeat of the CPS rape prosecution collapse.
  • Gill Furniss inquired about the CPS's ability to manage its caseload under pressure from the COVID-19 backlog and requested a commitment to providing necessary resources for victims of domestic abuse.
  • The Attorney General reported that the number of rape prosecutions has increased to 65% of all referred cases and highlighted the Government's work on the Domestic Abuse Bill and the call for evidence for the upcoming Violence Against Women and Girls strategy.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
Crime & Law Enforcement Women & Equalities
Context

The number of domestic abuse complaints has increased during lockdown, but the number of prosecutions has decreased.

Question

My constituents are concerned about the decrease in domestic abuse prosecutions. We know that domestic abuse complaints have surged while prosecutions have collapsed. What specific actions is the Attorney General taking to prevent a repeat of the disastrous collapse in CPS rape prosecutions?

Answer from Michael Ellis

The number of rape prosecutions by the CPS has increased to 65% of all referred cases. The Government is working on this issue with the Domestic Abuse Bill and a call for evidence for the upcoming Violence Against Women and Girls strategy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions to prevent the collapse in domestic abuse prosecutions

How: We Will Look At Those Responses Very Carefully

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Gill Furniss Lab Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

In 2020, domestic abuse-related crime increased by 9%, but referrals to the CPS fell by 19%. The CPS is under pressure to clear a backlog caused by covid-19.

Question

The CPS is under enormous pressure due to the backlog from COVID-19. Will the Attorney General commit to providing necessary resources for all victims of domestic abuse who report their crimes to receive justice swiftly?

Answer from Michael Ellis

The CPS can only deal with cases that are referred to it. The Government has introduced the Domestic Abuse Bill and will continue focusing on this issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to provide necessary resources for swift justice

How: The Reality Is That The Cps Can Only Deal With Cases Referred To It

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
Crime & Law Enforcement Women & Equalities
Context

During lockdown, domestic abuse complaints have surged while the number of prosecutions has decreased.

Question

My constituents are concerned about the decrease in domestic abuse prosecutions. What specific actions is the Attorney General taking to prevent a repeat of the CPS rape prosecution collapse?

Answer from Michael Ellis

The number of rape prosecutions has increased, and the Government is working on this issue with the Domestic Abuse Bill. There is also a call for evidence which will inform the Violence Against Women and Girls strategy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions to prevent the collapse in domestic abuse prosecutions

How: The Government Are Working On This Area With The Domestic Abuse Bill

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email