Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Violence Against Women and Girls

Thursday 18 December 2025 · 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

  • Lauren Edwards thanked the Minister for her response and discussed a local roundtable on tackling violence against women, highlighting the impact on victims.
  • Robbie Moore wished Mr Speaker a happy Christmas and mentioned his successful campaign to increase sentences for grooming gang members in his constituency.
  • Robbie Moore indicated he had spoken to a victim who felt the new sentences were still inadequate and requested a meeting with the Minister to discuss further.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lauren Edwards Lab Rochester and Strood
Women & Equalities
Context

Following a local multi-agency roundtable on tackling violence against women, Lauren Edwards heard from a constituent who shared her experience as a victim of VAWG. This prompted the question about support for victims.

Question

I thank the Minister for her response. Earlier this week, I attended a local multi-agency roundtable on tackling violence against women to discuss how we can work together better to support victims, and I have reflected on what I heard from a very brave constituent who shared her story. Will the Minister set out how the Government will improve the experience of women like her, who need not only better support to access legal aid and bring the perpetrators to justice, but longer-term support as they navigate custody issues, mental health challenges and the significant impact that domestic violence has on children?

Answer from The Solicitor General

My hon. Friend is right to highlight the devastating impact that VAWG has on victims and their families; it can affect every aspect of their lives, and I commend her brave constituent for coming forward with her experiences. That is why the strategy being announced today adopts a truly whole-system approach and unites action from every area of Government, including the criminal justice system, as well as health, education, housing and more. However, action must be backed with investment, and that is why in May we announced almost £20 million to provide vital support for victims of VAWG.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Long-term support beyond legal aid and immediate justice was not addressed specifically.

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Q2 Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

Following a successful campaign to increase sentences for grooming gang members, Robbie Moore received feedback from victims who were unaware of the unduly lenient sentence referral scheme.

Question

Happy Christmas to you and your team, Mr Speaker. Earlier this year, I was successful in my campaign to increase the ridiculously short sentences handed down to three vile grooming gang members in my constituency. However, I spoke to at least one victim in my constituency who has told me that she did not know that the sentences of her abusers could be referred as unduly lenient. As the VAWG strategy is released today, will the Solicitor General meet me to discuss introducing a new statutory duty on authorities, mandating that victims of crimes must be informed about the unduly lenient sentence scheme?

Answer from The Solicitor General

This year I expect to have received in the region of 900 referrals to look at sentences under the unduly lenient sentence scheme. It is an important part of our criminal justice system that some cases can be referred for a review. I would be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss the issue further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to making it mandatory but offered to discuss the issue in more detail.

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