Context
The backlog in the court system is harming efforts to instil confidence in women pursuing charges against their abusers for domestic violence. Merseyside has the second highest rate of femicide in the UK.
Question
What steps her Department plans to take to reduce the backlog of domestic violence cases? Violence against women and girls is a national scandal, with countless women losing their lives to male violence. Does the Department agree that any moves to fast-track cases via the criminal or civil courts must involve appropriately severe sentences?
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
We take all forms of homicide extremely seriously, and our strategy will cover all forms of violence and abuse disproportionately impacting women. We have funded record numbers of Crown court sitting days, extended the powers of the Victims’ Commissioner, strengthened the victims code, and protected funding for victim services to ensure they are listened to and put at the heart of the criminal justice system.
Not addressed: Specifically avoided addressing whether fast-tracking cases or severe sentences were part of their plan.
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