Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Violence against Women and Girls

Thursday 4 June 2026 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 5 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government have set aside 6 million over the next two years to introduce independent legal advisers for victims of adult rape.
  • The CPS has introduced an enhanced service, offering meetings before trials and dedicated liaison officers.
  • Three successful prosecutions for FGM have occurred, and a 5 million investment was secured to tackle FGM, including the first ever FGM summit.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sean Woodcock Lab Banbury
Crime & Law Enforcement Women & Equalities
Context

The adequacy of current CPS prosecution levels for cases involving violence against women and girls is under scrutiny.

Question

What assessment has been made on the adequacy of Crown Prosecution Service prosecutions in cases involving violence against women and girls?

Answer from Ellie Reeves

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.

Answered
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Q2 Tom Gordon Lib Dem Harrogate and Knaresborough
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

Improving prosecution rates and reassuring victims that sexual offences are robustly prosecuted.

Question

Does the Solicitor General agree public confidence is crucial to improving prosecution rates? What further actions is she taking with CPS?

Answer from Ellie Reeves

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.

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Q3 Sean Woodcock Lab Banbury
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

60% of rape victims drop out before trial, highlighting the need for measures to support victims.

Question

How is the Solicitor General ensuring that victims remain central in CPS work?

Answer from Ellie Reeves

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.

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Q4 Clive Jones Lib Dem Wokingham
Justice & Courts Children & Families
Context

Many abusers escape justice in family courts, prompting a call for independent experts to help spot and advise against manipulative tactics.

Question

When will the Minister commit to implementing independent domestic violence advisers in family courts?

Answer from Ellie Reeves

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to implementing independent domestic violence advisers specifically

How: Will Pass Comments

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Q5 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Safeguarding & DBS Women & Equalities
Context

Low prosecutions despite many reports of FGM cases, questioning the efficacy of current approaches.

Question

What is the Solicitor General doing to tackle FGM through prosecutions or a multi-agency approach?

Answer from Ellie Reeves

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.

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Q6 Ben Maguire Lib Dem North Cornwall
Justice & Courts
Context

CPS data shows a reduction in victim attrition but no improvements in charging rates or prosecution performance.

Question

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?

Answer from Ellie Reeves

£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.

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