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International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women — [Julie Elliott in the Chair]

01 December 2022

Lead MP

Karin Smyth
Bristol South
Lab

Responding Minister

Leo Docherty

Tags

Crime & Law EnforcementNHSUkraineEconomyBenefits & WelfareWomen & Equalities
Word Count: 14372
Other Contributors: 12

At a Glance

Karin Smyth raised concerns about international day for the elimination of violence against women — [julie elliott in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The Minister should agree to implement some measures: put a rape and domestic abuse specialist in the police force; overhaul the police standards system; bring in a domestic abusers register; set up specialist rape courts. The issue of financial abuse as part of abusive behaviour must be recognised in the Government's strategy to address violence against women and girls.

How the Debate Unfolded

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

Lead Contributor

Bristol South
Opened the debate
The number of women murder victims is at a 15-year high, with rape prosecutions and convictions also at historic lows. Domestic violence has skyrocketed during the pandemic, with 260,000 domestic abuse offences reported between March and June 2020 alone. Women in Bristol South face a variation from 7.1 per 1,000 in Redland to 79.9 per 1,000 in Hartcliffe and Withywood. The cost of living crisis is worsening the situation for women who are predominantly employed in low-pay sectors.

Government Response

Leo Docherty
Government Response
Responded to the debate by acknowledging concerns raised and committing to write to relevant ministers for updates on specific issues such as specialist rape courts, therapeutic care in the NHS, and protections for rape victims. Acknowledged the £10 million allocated to the Ukraine fund and the £27.6 million annually for bilateral violence against women and girls spend. Additionally committed to updating MPs on spiking laws and acknowledged the importance of community initiatives like Bunny Walks. Reaffirmed the Government's commitment to gender-based violence as a core priority with new funding and political declaration endorsements from 54 states.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.