Domestic Abuse Supporting Victims 2020-07-14

2020-07-14

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Andrea Jenkyns Con
Wakefield
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of lifting lockdown restrictions on domestic abuse crime reporting.
What discussions has the Secretary of State had with Cabinet colleagues regarding supporting victims of domestic abuse? One in six crimes in West Yorkshire are linked to domestic abuse. Lifting the lockdown restrictions may lead to an increase in reporting of this type of crime. What plans are in place to enable courts to deal with these cases swiftly?
My Ministers and I are in regular contact with our counterparts across Government and the sector to ensure the smooth passage of the Domestic Abuse Bill and to provide timely support for victims at this difficult time. We announced £76 million to support the most vulnerable during the pandemic, including survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. The courts continue to prioritise cases of the utmost seriousness, which include domestic abuse. On 1 July we published a courts recovery plan, setting out how we are preparing to operate courts and tribunals after the pandemic, which includes priority being given to domestic abuse cases.
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Q2 Direct Answer
Mark Pawsey Con
Rugby
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The MP is concerned about delays in hearings related to domestic abuse, particularly those involving child custody disputes.
What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that these cases are heard at the earliest opportunity?
I thank my hon. Friend for that question. He will be glad to know that we are promoting access to the family courts via video or telephone, as well as through the 157 priority courts that remained open throughout the pandemic for essential face-to-face hearings. Domestic violence protection orders and non-molestation orders continue to be listed for urgent hearings, despite the current restrictions.
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Q3 Direct Answer
Suzanne Webb Con
Stourbridge
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The MP highlights a local charity founder and asks about government support for domestic abuse survivors who do not have legal representation.
What is the Ministry doing to ensure that domestic violence survivors who do not have access to a lawyer can apply for domestic abuse injunctions?
I readily join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the work of local campaigners such as the ones in her constituency. She will be pleased to know that we are providing £800,000 of funding to the FLOWS—Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors—project run by RCJ Advice, which provides free legal support to victims of domestic abuse who wish to apply for an emergency protective order from the courts. That funding is used to provide a helpline and email service, where victims can be referred to a legal aid solicitor or receive free advice directly.
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