HC Deb 17 July 2003 vol 409 cc153-4WH
10. Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore)

What steps the Government are taking to give the police new powers to tackle domestic violence and bring more offenders to justice; and if the Government will make a statement. [125474]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (Yvette Cooper)

The "Safety and Justice" consultation paper includes proposals to make common assault an arrestable offence, to criminalise the breach of civil orders and to extend the availability of restraining orders.

Huw Irranca-Davies

I thank the Minister for that response and welcome the extension of police powers. Tough measures are essential in this area and I believe that we will all welcome that extension.

Will the Minister and the Minister for Children recognise that using tough measures alone is like using a one-pronged fork—not highly effective? We need to add other forms of attack, one of which should be raising awareness among children, schoolteachers and parents. Will the Minister and her ministerial colleagues ensure that, in the same way that police powers have been extended, we also make available effective resources for groups such as the Bridgend domestic abuse forum and others throughout the country that do such good work in this area?

Yvette Cooper

My hon. Friend is right. Clearly, the issue is not simply one of addressing and providing justice when domestic violence arises. It must also be a case of preventing domestic violence in the first place. That is why the consultation paper is divided into proposals, first, on improving prevention and, as my hon. Friend suggested, education; secondly, on greater protection and justice for victims of domestic violence; and thirdly, on support so that people can rebuild their lives.

My hon. Friend is right to say that the proposals need to be balanced. That balance is why the proposals in the consultation paper have been so widely welcomed by those working in domestic violence throughout the country. I pay tribute to the work of my right hon. and learned Friend the Solicitor-General in that regard.