Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Violence Against Women and Girls

Wednesday 23 October 2024 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Claire Hanna asked about discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on violence against women and girls.
  • The Minister stated the Northern Ireland Executive has prioritized the issue in their Government programme.
  • The Minister expressed readiness to support the Executive in reviewing sentencing and judicial processes.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Claire Hanna Social Democratic & Labour Party Belfast South and Mid Down
Northern Ireland Women & Equalities
Context

Seven women and girls have been killed violently in Northern Ireland this year alone, making it one of the most dangerous places in Europe for women. The Northern Ireland Executive has prioritized action on violence against women and girls.

Question

What discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland.

Answer from Fleur Anderson

I have discussed the importance of action on violence against women and girls with the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister. The Northern Ireland Executive has made it a priority in their programme for Government, and a new strategic framework has been welcomed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific funding and human resources attached to the strategy were not addressed.

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Q2 Claire Hanna Social Democratic & Labour Party Belfast South and Mid Down
Justice & Courts Northern Ireland Women & Equalities
Context

Mary Ward was the fourth woman to be murdered in just six weeks, leading to an urgent need for action on violence against women and girls. The recent publication of the Northern Ireland strategy on violence against women was welcome but must come with proper funding and human resources.

Question

Does the Minister agree that the funding and human resources attached to the new strategy must be proportionate to the urgency and deep roots of the issue? Will she support the Executive as they review sentencing and judicial processes?

Answer from Fleur Anderson

My thoughts are with all those affected by violence against women, including Mary Ward. The Government stands ready to work together to challenge and change misogynistic attitudes, strengthen the justice system, and provide more support for frontline services.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific funding amounts and human resources were not mentioned; only general commitment stated.

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