Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Violence against Women and Girls: Prosecution Rates

Thursday 6 February 2025 · 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The national conviction rate for domestic abuse cases is 4.5%, lower in rural areas like Ribble Valley at 3%.
  • Rape investigations show a 60% closure rate due to victims dropping out, citing humiliation and further trauma during court processes.
  • Keighley and Ilkley constituency saw eight men sentenced for gang-raping two children, highlighting the need to rebuild trust in the criminal justice system.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Maya Ellis Lab Ribble Valley
Crime & Law Enforcement Women & Equalities
Context

The national conviction rate for domestic abuse cases is 4.5%, but in Ribble Valley, it's only 3%. The Solicitor General acknowledges the unique challenges faced by women in rural constituencies due to increased isolation and risk.

Question

The national conviction rate for domestic abuse cases is woefully low at 4.5%, but the picture is even worse in rural constituencies such as Ribble Valley, where the overall conviction rate is only 3%. What does the Solicitor General regard as the unique challenges in rural areas, and what steps is she taking to tackle them specifically?

Answer from The Solicitor General

My hon. Friend raises an important issue and is right to highlight the unique risks faced by women in rural areas, including increased isolation bringing more risk. To tackle violence against women we need to address the overall number of prosecutions, which unfortunately is still far too low. That is why, working with the CPS and the police, we have brought in the domestic abuse joint justice plan—which I am pleased to say is already leading to a modest increase in referrals of domestic abuse cases—to improve the investigation, prosecution, and handling of domestic abuse cases.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps for rural areas not explicitly detailed

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Q2 Leigh Ingham Lab Stafford
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

In June 2024, 60% of rape investigations were closed due to victim dropout. The questioner mentions harrowing stories from constituents who felt humiliated and traumatised by the court process.

Question

In June 2024, 60% of rape investigations were closed because the victim dropped out. On top of that I have heard harrowing stories from my constituents who went to court over their sexual assault, and who felt humiliated and were further traumatised by that process. What work is being done to ensure that victims of sexual violence are treated with empathy and respect during the court process?

Answer from The Solicitor General

My hon. Friend asks a pertinent question, and I am sure the whole House will be sorry to hear of the examples that she raised. She is right to say that all victims ought to be treated with empathy and respect because victims’ loss of confidence in the criminal justice undermines the entire process of justice. I am working with the CPS to ensure better support for victims in rape and serious sexual offence cases, including by hiring victim liaison officers in teams prosecuting such cases.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific actions beyond hiring liaison officers mentioned

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Q3 Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The constituency is affected by child sexual exploitation. The questioner mentions a case where eight men received shockingly short sentences, one as low as three years, for gang rape of two children.

Question

My constituency is blighted by the shocking crime of child sexual exploitation, and rebuilding trust among victims in our criminal justice system is vital if victims are to come forward. Recently, eight men from my constituency were sentenced for the horrendous gang rape of two children and received shockingly short sentences; one was as low as three years. I have written to the Attorney General on this issue. Does the Solicitor General agree that these weak sentences are hugely damaging trust in our justice system? Will she commit, via the Attorney General, to reviewing them?

Answer from The Solicitor General

The example that the hon. Member refers to is indeed heinous. The conduct of those who have been involved in such crimes has rightly shocked and appalled people right across the country. He refers to a referral to the Attorney General’s Office, and it is therefore not appropriate for me to comment on that specific case further.

Not addressed: Specific request to review sentences not addressed

How: Not Appropriate To Comment On Specific Cases

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Q4 Sarah Dyke Lib Dem Glastonbury and Somerton
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The questioner mentions lengthy periods of inaction from police, CPS, and other organisations which left victims at risk and feeling anxious.

Question

I have had many victims of domestic abuse write to me, following lengthy periods of inaction from the police, the Crown Prosecution Service and other organisations, which have left victims at risk and feeling horribly anxious. How will the Minister ensure that prosecution rates improve and victims have confidence in the criminal justice system?

Answer from The Solicitor General

The hon. Member makes an important point. I am sorry to hear of the examples that she raises. This Government have a historic mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade, and we are taking a series of important steps to work towards the increased number of prosecutions that she refers to. For example, we are introducing specialist rape and sexual offences teams in every police force; working to increase referrals with the recently launched domestic abuse joint justice plan; fast-tracking rape cases; and introducing free independent legal advisers for victims of adult rape.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps to address inaction not detailed

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