James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, today secured assurance from the Minister that the Government would review the volume of red-tape involved in tackling domestic violence.
James asked the Women and Equality Minister, Barbara Follett if she would make a statement on the Government’s policy on assistance for victims of domestic violence. Going into more depth, James specifically asked whether the Government would review the fact that police get bogged down in paperwork whenever they visit a scene of domestic violence.
Speaking in the House of Commons, James said:
“Will the Minister undertake to review the assistance provided after the police attend a domestic violence incident? Although the forms and bureaucracy may be appropriate during the first visit, they are perhaps unwieldy and not particularly action-oriented if a second visit by the police is necessary.”
In her response to James’ question, Minister Barbara Follett MP said:
“I will look into the matter. I welcome the hon. Gentleman raising it in domestic violence month.
“As Minister for the East of England, I know that we have had an increase in reports of domestic violence in Essex, but I am glad to say that I would count that as a success, because it means that women are now willing to come forward, rather than suffering in silence.”
James will be writing to the Minister to let her know that he looks forward to hearing the outcome of her review.
20 March 2008