Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Violence Against Women and Girls: Sentencing — [Mr Laurence Robertson in the Chair]

01 February 2023 · 5 other contributors · 12,561 words

Opened by Cherilyn Mackrory Con Truro and Falmouth

Responding minister: Edward Argar

Crime & Law EnforcementJustice & CourtsWomen & Equalities

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Cherilyn Mackrory raised concerns about violence against women and girls: sentencing — [mr laurence robertson in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Ms Mackrory expressed deep concern about the high prevalence of violence against women and girls, noting that one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence.
  • She highlighted local statistics from Devon and Cornwall, including a 35% increase in violent offences since the pandemic and that domestic abuse disproportionately affects women.
  • Ms Mackrory called for more alcohol addiction programmes targeting early age behaviours and education on breaking the cycle of violence, and urged better support for victims through swift convictions and funding for community safety initiatives.

Key requests to Government

Ms Mackrory called for more alcohol addiction programmes targeting early age behaviours and education on breaking the cycle of violence. She urged better support for victims through swift convictions and funding for community safety initiatives. Additionally, she requested clarification on how the Online Safety Bill will address issues related to online sexual harassment.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Cherilyn Mackrory Con Truro and Falmouth

Ms Mackrory expressed deep concern about the high prevalence of violence against women and girls globally, noting that one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence. She highlighted local statistics from Devon and Cornwall, including a 35% increase in violent offences since the pandemic. She emphasized that domestic abuse disproportionately affects women and can escalate during pregnancy. Statistics showed that less than 25% of such cases are reported and only half of all rapes involve husbands or partners. Ms Mackrory also underlined the importance of addressing barriers to reporting violence, citing the challenge in dealing with spiking incidents among student populations.

Other contributors (5)
  • Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich

    She highlighted the epidemic level of violence against women, citing statistics from the Home Office including 177 murders, 70,000 reported rapes, and almost 2.5 million victims of domestic abuse in 2021. She criticised the Government for not adequately addressing these issues, with rape convictions at a record low of around one per cent. Reeves called for tougher sentencing guidelines, including statutory minimum sentences for rape and life orders for certain crimes such as the rape, abduction, and murder of strangers.

  • Helen Grant Con Maidstone and Malling

    She congratulates the hon. Member on securing an important debate about domestic violence, emphasising its abhorrent nature and impact on victims' self-confidence and self-esteem. Ms Grant supported the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, highlighting its expanded definition of domestic abuse to include financial, verbal or emotional forms. She emphasised that children witnessing such abuse are also recognised as victims. We certainly have more laws now to protect victims than we did 50 years ago and we also have more organisations to support victims. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that we also need to do much more in terms of prevention?

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    The hon. Member points out the need to control access to pornographic material that sexualises and shows violence towards women, asking if there is a wish for legislation to ensure this. Jim Shannon highlighted the severe issue of violence against women in Northern Ireland, citing high murder rates and recent cases. He criticized lenient sentences for domestic abuse offenders and called for tougher sentencing laws to deter repeat offenses. He also raised concerns about police funding cuts and the need for trained officers to support victims. Asked the Minister to look into sentencing discrepancies where women who act in self-defence receive harsher sentences than their attackers.

  • Peter Gibson Con Darlington

    Tackling violence against women and girls is a key focus for the Government, with numerous pieces of legislation introduced. Darlington has benefitted from safer streets fund money to support initiatives like Number Forty hub and CCTV control room efforts which have helped in convictions. Mr Gibson intervened to emphasise the importance of prosecuting and convicting perpetrators who spike drinks or inject substances, highlighting this as a heinous crime. He also asked Ms Hobhouse for specific additional offences required beyond existing statutes that deal with administering poison through drinks or injections.

  • Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath

    The hon. Lady agrees that childhood trauma from violence leads to the next generation of violence and calls for better trauma-informed services across the board. She condemns spiking as a vile form of violence against women and girls, urging support in condemning it. Ms Hobhouse highlighted the high number of sexual offences logged by Bath and North East Somerset police and criticised the justice system for its low conviction rates, with only 3% of rape cases leading to charges. She expressed concern over the invasive data collection from victims, which can dissuade them from pursuing their case through the criminal justice system. She also mentioned a report suggesting that misogyny undermines sentencing outcomes by prioritising other types of crimes over sexual offences. Acknowledged the Minister's clarification on the independence of institutions and expressed gratitude for correcting the record regarding conviction numbers.

Government Response

Edward Argar

Emphasised the government's commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, highlighting legislative achievements such as the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Discussed increases in average sentences for various offences since 2013. Acknowledged sentencing disparities between domestic homicides and street crimes involving knives but stated faith in judges' ability to consider context. Mentioned a review of domestic homicide sentencing laws by Clare Wade KC. Announced £125 million allocated through the safer streets fund and £5 million for safety of women at night initiatives. Described investments in supporting victims, tackling perpetrators, and improving systems such as Operation Soteria. Noted challenges with proving spiking cases and the importance of education to change attitudes.

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