Violence Against Women and Girls

The issue of domestic violence is something that has too often been in the shadows.  That is why I was pleased that this Government has put domestic abuse at the heart of its agenda and has already achieved a great deal.

In the last parliament, the Government published strategy to end violence against women and girls, as well as introducing domestic violence protection orders to provide victims with immediate protection following a domestic abuse incident.  For the first time the Government also introduced a specific offence of controlling or coercive behaviour.

The latest available figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the proportion of women aged 16-59 who have experienced domestic abuse in the last year is at its lowest since this survey began in 2004.  However, while this indicates fewer women and girls are suffering, the number of people experiencing domestic violence is still too high and more work needs to be done.

I was therefore pleased that the Government ensured the Queen's Speech included the landmark Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill which will encompass a range of new measures aimed at protecting women and girls.  This will include appointing a Domestic Violence and Abuse Commissioner who will represent victims and survivors, raise public awareness, and hold the justice system to account.  The Government are also intending to introduce new legislation through the bill which will enable the UK to ratify the Istanbul Convention.  That means our courts will be able to prosecute British citizens for domestic abuse regardless of where in the world the offence took place.

Finally, the Home Office are awarding £17 million to over 40 projects across the country to tackle and prevent violence against women and girls.  This will fund a range of locally-led activities to support victims, change the behaviour of perpetrators and help children who have been exposed to domestic abuse.

I hope these steps will take us further to ending violence against women and girls in the UK. I want us all to live in a society where no one lives in fear of these awful crimes, and where every girl grows up knowing she is safe.