Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on taking legislative steps to create a domestic abuse aggravated offence.

This Government was elected on a landmark pledge to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade, and tackling domestic abuse is a core part of this mission. We will use every lever within our power and work with key partners across Government to deliver against this ambition.

As discussed during the Adjournment Debate on Domestic Abuse Offences on 17 March 2025, the Government is actively considering how we can better identify domestic abuse offenders. I have been working closely with my counterparts across Government on this.

We recognise the importance of ensuring that the harm caused by offences typically committed against women and girls is appropriately and proportionally reflected in the sentencing framework. The Sentencing Review, chaired by former Lord Chancellor David Gauke, is currently examining the sentencing of offences primarily committed against women and girls. We are committed to engaging with the review to ensure the best outcomes for survivors of domestic abuse.