Domestic Abuse

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Baroness Andrews

Wednesday 11th November 2020 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)]

I am very happy to take back that suggestion from the noble and learned Baroness as we move forward with this.

[Baroness Andrews (Lab) [V]]

My Lords, the Minister will know that, when women leave women’s refuges, they are often at greater risk of harm. What additional protection have the Government put in place to prevent those who have left abusive partners from continued coercive control and financial abuse?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)]

The noble Baroness asks a very pertinent question in this field. The Government have put in place several forms of protection for victims to prevent continued coercive control, which so often goes on after the event, and economic abuse, including accommodation, community-based services and counselling. The Domestic Abuse Bill and wider action plan will help to ensure that victims have the confidence to come forward and report their experiences, safe in the knowledge that the justice system and other agencies will do everything they can to protect and support them and their children and pursue their abuser.