Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to help victims of domestic abuse access support services in the criminal justice system.

Addressing domestic abuse and improving support and outcomes for victims is a top priority for the government. In 2021-22, the Ministry of Justice will provide just under £151m for victim and witness support services. This includes an extra £51m to increase support for rape and domestic abuse victims, building on the emergency funding from the last financial year to help domestic abuse and sexual violence services meet Covid-driven demand. The funding will improve access to support services including local community based support for domestic violence victims and introducing over 400 Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs).