Violence against Women and Girls
2026-06-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The adequacy of current CPS prosecution levels for cases involving violence against women and girls is under scrutiny.
What assessment has been made on the adequacy of Crown Prosecution Service prosecutions in cases involving violence against women and girls?
I highlighted steps taken to increase advocate availability for rape cases, which grew by over 50% since summer 2024. The Government have set aside £6 million over the next two years to introduce independent legal advisers for victims of adult rape.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Improving prosecution rates and reassuring victims that sexual offences are robustly prosecuted.
Does the Solicitor General agree public confidence is crucial to improving prosecution rates? What further actions is she taking with CPS?
The CPS has introduced an enhanced service, offering meetings before trials and dedicated liaison officers. £5 million is allocated for pilot services including prosecution team meetings and victim liaison officers in Crown courts.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
60% of rape victims drop out before trial, highlighting the need for measures to support victims.
How is the Solicitor General ensuring that victims remain central in CPS work?
Measures include an enhanced offer for rape victims, prosecution team meetings before trials, dedicated liaison officers in Crown courts. Raneem's law is introduced, embedding domestic abuse specialists in 999 call centres, and rolling out protection orders.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Many abusers escape justice in family courts, prompting a call for independent experts to help spot and advise against manipulative tactics.
When will the Minister commit to implementing independent domestic violence advisers in family courts?
The Government are committed to rolling out child-focused courts nationally in three years, investing £17 million for the next expansion. I will pass comments on this issue to colleagues in the Ministry of Justice.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to implementing independent domestic violence advisers specifically
Will Pass Comments
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Low prosecutions despite many reports of FGM cases, questioning the efficacy of current approaches.
What is the Solicitor General doing to tackle FGM through prosecutions or a multi-agency approach?
Three successful prosecutions have occurred, but more action is needed. A £5 million investment was secured to tackle FGM, including the first ever FGM summit, focusing on working across justice, health, education, communities, and local government.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
▸
Context
CPS data shows a reduction in victim attrition but no improvements in charging rates or prosecution performance.
By what metrics will the Solicitor General measure success of £5 million investment in CPS pre-trial support? What specific outcomes do the Government expect?
£5 million is allocated to enable victims of domestic abuse in Crown courts to meet prosecution teams before trials and benefit from dedicated liaison officers. Metrics include attrition rates, faster case handling through charging pilots like in Wales, reducing time between charges and court appearances.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy