Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Domestic Abuse

Tuesday 28 March 2023 · 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

  • Christine Jardine inquired about discussions with Cabinet colleagues on tackling domestic abuse and the status of the draft Victims Bill.
  • The Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister have regular discussions on building upon progress made by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
  • Anna McMorrin questioned the delay in appointing a Victims' Commissioner and the lack of progress on the victims Bill, highlighting the issue of unaddressed rapes.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The question pertains to the government's progress in addressing domestic abuse and follows recent discussions among Cabinet colleagues. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 has been partially implemented, but further measures are needed.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on tackling domestic abuse. The Government have made good progress on their implementation of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, and there is a need to build upon this by addressing several unaddressed areas in the draft Victims Bill which will improve support for survivors.

Answer from Edward Argar

My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister and I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues about tackling domestic abuse and how we can build on progress already made through the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. The draft Victims Bill is under review, and funding for victims of crime has been quadrupled since 2009-10. More details will be provided in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The timetable for the First Reading of the victims Bill was not specified.

How: As Ever, I Am Grateful To The Hon. Lady For Her Question And The Tone In Which She Put It.

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Q2 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Justice & Courts Mental Health Children & Families
Context

The draft Victims Bill was published a year ago, and the question addresses concerns about its progress and the support it will provide for survivors of crime.

Question

Several areas were not addressed in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and need to be covered in the forthcoming victims Bill. The lack of specialist services for minority groups, mental health support, and provision for children are specific issues that need to be addressed once the draft Victims Bill is introduced.

Answer from Edward Argar

The draft Victims Bill is under review, and our response to the prelegislative scrutiny report by the Justice Committee has been made public. We have quadrupled funding for victims of crime since 2009-10 and look forward to introducing the Bill in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific timetable for First Reading was not provided, and details on addressing gaps such as mental health support were vague.

How: As Ever, I Am Grateful To The Hon. Lady For Her Question And The Tone In Which She Put It.

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Q3 Anna McMorrin Lab Cardiff North
Justice & Courts
Context

The question highlights issues with the current justice system, particularly regarding rape cases and the lack of a Victims' Commissioner. The draft Victims Bill is seen as crucial for improving support for victims.

Question

Since questions began at 11:30 am today, 12 women across the country will have been raped, and none may see their rapist charged. With no Victims' Commissioner and no progress on the victims Bill, how long will victims have to wait until they are put first in this broken justice system?

Answer from Edward Argar

Under this Government victims are always put first. Reports and charges of rape, as well as Crown court receipts, have been increasing. The Operation Soteria approach has been piloted in various areas to improve handling of sexual offences. Recruitment for the Victims' Commissioner is ongoing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No clear timeline was given for appointing a Victims' Commissioner or introducing the victims Bill.

How: She Mentioned The Appointment Of A Victims' Commissioner, And My Right Hon. Friend The Deputy Prime Minister Has Been Clear That We Are In The Process Of Recruiting For That Role.

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