Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Violence Against Women and Girls

Tuesday 8 February 2022 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government's strategy to tackle violence against women and girls includes rolling out section 28 video-recorded evidence in sexual and modern slavery cases nationally.
  • The Government is committed to eliminating female genital mutilation and supports victims through education and prevention efforts.
  • A sexual violence helpline is being established to support women who have experienced sexual assault decades ago and lack trust in the police or criminal justice system.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andy McDonald Lab Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

The MP is concerned about the safety of women and girls in his constituency.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to tackle violence against women and girls. The Government has set out an ambitious strategy to change attitudes, support victims, and pursue perpetrators.

Answer from Victoria Atkins

The Government's tackling violence against women and girls strategy includes rolling out section 28 video-recorded evidence in sexual and modern slavery cases nationally, helping victims of domestic abuse to report common assaults through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, and launching a national 24/7 support service for victims of rape and sexual assault.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q2 Virendra Sharma Lab
Women & Equalities
Context

The UN estimates that 2 million extra girls are at risk of FGM due to the pandemic. The UK committed to eliminate harmful practices by 2030.

Question

Is the UK on track to meet its targets for eliminating female genital mutilation (FGM) by 2030, despite the increased risks posed by the pandemic?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

The Government is committed to eliminating female genital mutilation. We are supporting victims through the tackling violence against women and girls strategy, educating people that FGM is not a fit practice for the 21st century, and addressing this issue over the last decade.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific targets or measures to meet by 2030 were not provided

How: Under Review, We Are Committed

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q3 Andy McDonald Lab Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

A woman has approached the MP for help, describing her long-term trauma from a teenage rape.

Question

What support is available to women who have experienced sexual assault decades ago and lack trust in the police or criminal justice system?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

We are addressing failings in the criminal justice system for prosecuting sexual assault and rape cases. The Ministry of Justice campaign #ItStillMatters aims to give victims confidence in the system. A sexual violence helpline is being established to support such individuals.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q4 Maria Miller Con
Women & Equalities
Context

Cyber-flashing and deep fake pornography are forms of online violence against women that are not illegal.

Question

What plans does the Minister have to address cyber-flashing and deep fake pornography, which are currently legal?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

The Government is looking for a legislative vehicle to outlaw cyber-flashing. On deep fake imagery, advice from the Law Commission is sought to update general laws to better reflect modern practices.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q5 Sarah Atherton
Justice & Courts Wales Women & Equalities
Context

Many women are incarcerated for low-level summary offences, impacting them and their families. A residential women's centre in Wales is planned.

Question

Can the Minister provide an update on the progress of a new residential women's centre in Wales that will offer accommodation and rehabilitation to vulnerable female offenders?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

Progress is being made on plans for a residential women's centre in Wales to provide accommodation and rehabilitation for vulnerable female offenders. The aim is to offer an alternative to prison sentencing for certain cases, but more details are not available at this time.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific progress or timeline was not provided

How: In Due Course, Looking Seriously

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q6 Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

At a roundtable with rape survivors, victims reported feeling disheartened by the criminal justice system's inefficiency. Only 1.3% of rape cases are prosecuted, taking an average of 1,000 days to reach court.

Question

Victims have come to terms with their trauma but struggle with how they were treated by the criminal justice system due to delays and low prosecution rates. Will the Minister support Labour's plan for legal advocates from reporting through trial or continue failing in tackling violence against women?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

The Government has welcomed victim feedback through its consultation on the Victims Bill. It aims to provide safeguards similar to those requested by Labour. Currently, funding for independent domestic and sexual violence advisers is available to support victims from reporting to trial. Additionally, a 24-hour helpline for victims of sexual violence is being set up as an initial step before police involvement. The Minister hopes the Opposition will support the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill which includes measures to keep violent offenders in prison longer.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about Labour's plans for legal advocates was not directly addressed.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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