Asked by: Jess Asato (Labour - Lowestoft)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when statutory guidance will be produced on the duty to collaborate under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024; and what plans the Government has to ensure its implementation following the decision to abolish PCCs and the upcoming changes to integrated care boards.
Answered by Alex Davies-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
We will work closely with the Home Office and the Department for Health and Social care as Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and Integrated Care Board reforms unfold and this will inform our consideration of implementation of the Duty to Collaborate under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024. The Ministry of Justice has recently announced that it will be investing £550 million in victim support services over the next three years – the biggest investment in victim support services to date.
We are taking this opportunity to review and strengthen the commissioning and delivery of victims’ services. In light of the announcement to abolish the PCC function in May 2028, we will also explore changes to the delivery of victims funding to ensure this is delivered in the best way in the future.
Asked by: Jess Asato (Labour - Lowestoft)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department has (a) implemented a domestic abuse policy for staff and (b) trained line managers to effectively respond to staff who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip
This Department is committed to supporting employees experiencing domestic abuse.
We provide comprehensive advice to these employees and their managers including how to identify abuse, actions which colleagues and managers can take, and links to organisations providing advice and support. Our guidance also covers the actions of perpetrators and how disciplinary action would be implemented.
In August 2025, the Ministry of Justice People and Capability Group launched refreshed pan-Ministry of Justice domestic abuse guidance and support for employees and their managers. This guidance recognises the employer’s duty of care to their employees, making clear what support is available with a clear commitment from the organisation and senior leaders to take the issue seriously.
Asked by: Jess Asato (Labour - Lowestoft)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence are informed of their rights to access pre-trial therapeutic support.
Answered by Alex Davies-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
We are clear that there is no need for victims to delay therapy before, during or after any potential trial on account of an ongoing police investigation or prosecution.
The Victims’ Code provides that victims have the right to access support to help them to cope, and as far as possible, recover from being a victim of crime. Local support services are provided by Police and Crime Commissioners, and relevant support offers could include therapy and counselling.
Victims can access this support at any time, whether or not they have reported a crime, and during the criminal justice process or at any time after it. The Crown Prosecution Service’s pre-trial therapy guidance is also clear that therapy should not be delayed for any reason connected with a criminal investigation or prosecution. This guidance sets out clearly that it is for the victim to make decisions about therapy with their therapist.
To help make sure victims know about their rights under the Victims’ Code, the police will communicate these to victims when a crime is reported. To help raise wider awareness, we have launched the Understand Your Rights Victims’ Code campaign.