Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Harassment and Violence against Women and Girls

Wednesday 26 April 2023 · 4 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government has provided 3.6 million to the safer streets fund and safety of women at night fund.
  • The Northumbria police and crime commissioner's work is highlighted as a positive example for similar initiatives.
  • The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office manages addressing global violence against girls and considers sanctions against organizations involved in human rights violations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sharon Hodgson Lab Washington and Gateshead South
Women & Equalities
Context

The question stems from the high prevalence of harassment faced by women in public spaces, with 71% experiencing such incidents. The Northumbria police and crime commissioner launched a bystander training initiative to combat this issue.

Question

What steps is the Government taking to encourage similar positive action across other regions to tackle misogyny at its root?

Answer from Sarah Dines

The Government has provided £3.6 million to the safer streets fund and safety of women at night fund, aiming to encourage similar positive action across other places. The hon. Lady is right to highlight the importance of addressing misogyny through active bystander training.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a clear commitment on encouraging proactive measures against misogyny in various locations nationwide.

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Q2 Sharon Hodgson Lab Washington and Gateshead South
Policing & Resources Women & Equalities
Context

71% of women have experienced harassment in public spaces, yet many people accept this behaviour or lack the confidence to confront it. The Northumbria police and crime commissioner's initiative for active bystander training is highlighted as a positive example.

Question

What measures will the Government take to encourage similar initiatives to prevent assault and address misogyny across other regions?

Answer from Sarah Dines

The Northumbria police and crime commissioner's work is highlighted as a positive example, with £3.6 million provided for similar initiatives under safer streets and safety of women at night funds. The Government will review this issue carefully and engage stakeholders.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide concrete commitments or specific actions to replicate such initiatives in other regions.

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Q3 Caroline Nokes Con Romsey and Southampton North
Foreign Affairs Women & Equalities
Context

Violence against women and girls is prevalent not just in the UK but globally, especially in countries like Iran and Afghanistan. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office leads support for human rights.

Question

What work is underway across Government to ensure that the UK is actively addressing global violence against girls, particularly through proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran?

Answer from Sarah Dines

This issue is managed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The Government use sanctions as a key tool to address oppression of women abroad, including considering proscribing organizations such as the Iranian authorities involved in human rights violations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific actions or funding amounts related to addressing global violence against girls.

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Q4 Yasmin Qureshi Lab Bolton South and Walkden
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Last year, nearly 5,000 spiking incidents were reported to the police in England and Wales. The issue is prevalent in the night-time economy.

Question

When will the Government make spiking a separate criminal offence given its prevalence and impact on victims?

Answer from Sarah Dines

The Government are reviewing spiking incidents with stakeholders. Adequate criminal offences exist for this behavior, but specific funding has been provided and better testing methods are in place. The aim is to encourage victims to come forward when spiked.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not commit to establishing spiking as a separate criminal offence.

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