Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Violence against Women and Girls: Support for Victims

Tuesday 18 May 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

  • The Government is scoping a victims Bill with plans for prelegislative scrutiny later this year.
  • The Minister will shortly be talking with MHCLG colleagues about what more can be done for supported housing and addressing victimisation.
  • There is an enormous amount of work ongoing, including setting murder as a key national priority.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

The question arises from the ongoing need to improve support services for victims in the justice system, addressing issues like intimidation during abortion procedures.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to improve support in the justice system for victims of violence against women and girls. The Minister talks about a victims Bill but there has been one in every Queen's Speech since 2016 without concrete action. Can he remedy that by backing an amendment to address intimidation during abortion procedures?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

The Government is scoping a victims Bill with plans for prelegislative scrutiny later this year. The victims code, effective since April 2023, will be enshrined in law. Regarding the amendment to address intimidation at abortion clinics, it will be considered as part of the ongoing legislation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to backing the specific amendment or implementing national legislation for clarity.

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Q2 Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton
Housing Benefits & Welfare
Context

A recent Oldham roundtable highlighted issues with the new Domestic Abuse Act, including increased abuse during lockdown and lack of measures to address cultural issues.

Question

What discussions has the Minister had with his counterparts in MHCLG and DWP to ensure that the Domestic Abuse Act is effective? There are concerns about safe accommodation availability and poverty as a driver of abuse.

Answer from Kit Malthouse

As Housing Minister, I worked closely with the supported housing sector. Now focusing on victims, I will shortly be talking with MHCLG colleagues about what more can be done for supported housing and addressing victimisation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific discussions or plans to ensure the effectiveness of the Domestic Abuse Act.

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Q3 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Women & Equalities
Context

Rape convictions have fallen by more than 50% in the last two years, raising concerns about justice for victims. A Labour proposal includes a fast-track system, dedicated Minister, and support package.

Question

Why is the Government delaying and choosing further inaction on releasing their violence against women and girls strategy? Will they commit to taking forward Labour's proposals now?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

There is an enormous amount of work ongoing, including setting murder as a key national priority. An action group chaired by the Minister focuses on this issue to drive better outcomes for victims and performance in courts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to taking forward Labour's proposals or explain the delay in releasing their strategy.

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