Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Violence against Women and Girls

Wednesday 27 November 2024 · 7 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 7 Not answered 0

Key points

  • White Ribbon Day marks the start of activism against violence against women and girls, with the Government aiming to halve this violence within a decade.
  • The Government has discussed with the First and Deputy First Ministers the issue of tackling gender-based violence in Northern Ireland, including the factor of paramilitarism.
  • The Minister met with Tahnee McCorry from White Ribbon Northern Ireland to discuss working with men in football, GAA teams, and prisons to change societal attitudes towards violence against women and girls.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Christopher Bloore Lab Redditch
Northern Ireland Women & Equalities
Context

White Ribbon Day marks the start of activism against violence against women and girls. The Labour Government aims to halve this violence within a decade.

Question

What discussions has the government had with the Northern Ireland Executive on tackling violence against women and girls?

Answer from Fleur Anderson

White Ribbon Day marks the start of activism against violence against women and girls. The Government has set an ambition to halve this violence within a decade. I have discussed this issue with the First and Deputy First Ministers, and we will continue working collaboratively.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or commitments not provided

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Q2 David Smith Lab North Northumberland
Northern Ireland Women & Equalities
Context

Women's Aid reports that a fifth of all crime in Northern Ireland is domestic abuse. Paramilitary organisations make reporting, confronting or escaping such abuse difficult.

Question

How are the Government working with the Northern Ireland Executive to break down coercive barriers to support for women and girls, especially given paramilitarism?

Answer from Fleur Anderson

Alongside alarming femicide statistics, there are factors adding complexity to gender-based violence in Northern Ireland. One such factor is paramilitarism which needs to be tackled.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions not provided

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Q3 Alistair Strathern Lab Hitchin
Northern Ireland Women & Equalities
Context

This year's White Ribbon Day theme is, “It starts with men”. Men have a role in stamping out violence against women and girls.

Question

Does the Minister agree that it is important for us all, especially men, to play our part in stopping violence against women and girls? How is she working with Northern Ireland Executive on this?

Answer from Fleur Anderson

I met with Tahnee McCorry from White Ribbon Northern Ireland who works with men in football, GAA teams and prisons. We all have a role in changing our society.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions not provided

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Q4 Christopher Bloore Lab Redditch
Women & Equalities
Context

The Northern Ireland Executive's strategic framework acknowledges the rise of online influencers with a toxic influence on men and boys.

Question

Will the Minister provide an update on discussions regarding sharing best practice to challenge these influencers and promote healthier attitudes towards relationships?

Answer from Fleur Anderson

I am supportive of the Executive's strategic framework. I meet regularly with White Ribbon NI to learn and share best practice in tackling violence against women and girls online.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions not provided

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Q5 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland Women & Equalities
Context

Six women were murdered by men last year, all cases are pending. Women's Aid organizations supported over 800 women and children in refuges.

Question

What can the Minister do to improve conditions for victims of violence against women in Northern Ireland through discussions with the Northern Ireland Assembly?

Answer from Fleur Anderson

I pay tribute to Women's Aid organisations. Prevention and service provision are key, tackling online abuse and violence by everyone in the UK is necessary to change this situation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions not provided

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Q6 Ashley Fox Con Bridgwater
Policing & Resources Women & Equalities
Context

The number of police officers in Northern Ireland is below the recommended level.

Question

Does the Minister agree that the low number of police officers hinders the fight against violence against women? Will she work to increase officer numbers to 7,500?

Answer from Fleur Anderson

Police action is important but it is also about a whole-of-society change. Every organisation needs to get involved in tackling misogyny wherever we see it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions not provided

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Q7 Mike Wood Con Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Policing & Resources Northern Ireland Women & Equalities
Context

New Decade, New Approach commitment included increasing policing numbers.

Question

When does the Minister expect policing numbers in Northern Ireland to reach levels set out in the commitment?

Answer from Fleur Anderson

This Government provided £18.2 billion in devolution settlement, with £640 million this year and £1.5 billion next year. It is now up to the Chief Constable to spend these figures.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline not provided

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