Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Domestic Abuse Prosecutions

Thursday 25 May 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

  • The Crown Prosecution Service is committed to increasing prosecutions and supporting victims of domestic abuse, including extending the time frame for reporting offences.
  • Selaine Saxby inquired about encouraging the reporting of rape and sexual assault in rural areas, highlighting concerns about distant support services.
  • Bob Blackman raised concerns about women from the Indian subcontinent facing stigmas in breaking relationships, urging measures to ensure these women receive full support.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The question arises from concerns about the effectiveness of CPS in supporting domestic abuse cases. It seeks specific actions being taken.

Question

What steps is the Crown Prosecution Service taking to support the prosecution of domestic abuse cases?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

We are committed to increasing the volume of prosecutions and supporting more victims of domestic abuse. For example, we have ensured that victims now have much longer to report offences.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific steps or measures mentioned beyond a general commitment.

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Q2 Selaine Saxby
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Concerns about lower reporting rates in rural areas due to distance from support services. The question seeks specific initiatives.

Question

Can my right hon. and learned Friend outline what is being done to encourage the reporting of rape and sexual assault in rural areas, where victims may be less likely to report these crimes due to distant support services?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

My hon. Friend is a great champion for her rural area. She will be pleased to know that, in the south-west England CPS area, we consistently see one of the highest conviction rates for rape and domestic abuse. Her area is covered by Operation Soteria, which is testing new ways of working between the police and the CPS.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific encouragement initiatives mentioned beyond highlighting high conviction rates and operation details.

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Q3 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

Concerns about stigma and support for victims of Indian subcontinental origin facing coercive relationships or returning to abusers. The question seeks specific measures.

Question

The breakdown of a relationship is a particular stigma for women in families from the Indian subcontinent, many of whom are forced to either remain in coercive relationships or return to their abuser. What measures could my right hon. and learned Friend take to ensure that those women are given full support through the Crown Prosecution Service and assisted to rebuild their lives?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

My hon. Friend is a great campaigner for Harrow East and all the communities that live there. He will be pleased to know that CPS London is also working hard: this week, it is holding an event in his constituency to develop the domestic abuse joint justice plan, where colleagues from across the criminal justice system will come together to increase prosecutions in the cases he has outlined.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific measures mentioned beyond highlighting upcoming events and plans.

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