Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Domestic Abuse and Violence against Women

Tuesday 5 November 2024 · 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 2 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Christine Jardine inquired about steps to support survivors of domestic abuse and violence against women through the criminal justice system, receiving a response that included the 26 million rape and sexual abuse support fund and the role of independent advocates.
  • Victoria Collins questioned the measures being taken in the prison system to rehabilitate individuals whose criminal behaviour was influenced by online radicalisation, with a response highlighting the assessment and digital citizenship education programs within the Prison Service.
  • Apsana Begum asked about the necessity of a comprehensive approach including funding for specialist services to support victims of domestic abuse, to which the Minister agreed and confirmed ongoing reviews for funding and meetings to address legal aid issues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

The question arises from the need to provide better support and protection for victims of domestic abuse and violence against women.

Question

What steps is she taking to support survivors of domestic abuse and violence against women through the criminal justice system?

Answer from Alex Davies-Jones

We are committed to supporting victims and survivors of these abhorrent crimes, including through the £26 million rape and sexual abuse support fund and the funding of independent domestic and sexual violence advocates. Furthermore, we will increase the powers of the Victims' Commissioner to improve accountability when victims' needs are not met.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline or detailed plan was provided for implementing these commitments beyond vague references to 'improving accountability'.

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Q2 Victoria Collins Lib Dem Harpenden and Berkhamsted
Policing & Resources Justice & Courts
Context

The question stems from the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, focusing on digital citizenship education for rehabilitating prisoners.

Question

Many constituents will be participating in the United Nations' 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. What steps are being taken in the prison system to rehabilitate individuals whose criminal behaviour was influenced by online radicalisation?

Answer from Alex Davies-Jones

The Prison Service assesses the impact of online influences on convicted terrorists in the first year after sentencing. Digital citizenship education is one aspect, but full implementation depends on controlling the prison population post-pandemic.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No clear timeline or comprehensive plan was given for implementing digital citizenship education as part of rehabilitation programs.

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Q3 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Crime & Law Enforcement Women & Equalities
Context

The Scottish Government's decision against including misogyny in their Hate Crime and Public Order Act prompts this question.

Question

Given the high rates of unreported crimes, especially for rape and sexual assault, is the Lord Chancellor planning to review aggravated offences, particularly misogynistic ones, to ensure women receive proper protection?

Answer from Alex Davies-Jones

The Government are committed to halving violence against women and girls over ten years. Every Department will look into how they can tackle misogyny, including education about it in schools, streets, homes, workplaces, and online environments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific review or timeline was given for tackling misogynistic offenses in the law.

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Q4 Apsana Begum Lab Poplar and Limehouse
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

The question addresses the systemic bias against survivors of domestic abuse across various stages of the criminal justice system.

Question

Does the Minister agree that a comprehensive approach including funding for specialist services and addressing legal aid issues is necessary to provide proper support for victims of domestic abuse?

Answer from Alex Davies-Jones

The Minister agrees with the hon. Friend's points about systemic bias and supports her bravery in speaking out. Every Department will look into how to stamp out violence against women and girls. Funding is currently being reviewed, and further meetings can be arranged.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific details or commitments were given regarding the funding review for specialist services.

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Q5 Emily Darlington Lab Milton Keynes Central
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

The low rate of reported rape cases reaching trial under previous governments prompts this question.

Question

How are the Government ensuring that more brave women who report their rapes see quick and effective justice through the court service?

Answer from Alex Davies-Jones

The Government are committed to introducing independent legal advocates for adult rape victims. They will work with the judiciary to fast-track RASSO cases through courts and support victim-survivors every step of the way.

Answered
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Q6 Josh Babarinde Lib Dem Eastbourne
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The question addresses the current legal system's inability to prevent early release of domestic abusers.

Question

Will the Minister meet me and domestic abuse charities to discuss proposals for closing loopholes so that victims get proper justice?

Answer from Alex Davies-Jones

The Government have put in strict protections excluding certain offences from early release schemes. Domestic abusers flagged for markers get priority monitoring and risk assessments. The Minister meets the sector regularly to improve measures based on lessons learned from SDS40.

Answered
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