HC Deb 27 June 1996 vol 280 c181W
Mr. Khabra

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he intends to take to increase the protection available to women from violence and the threat of violence. [34410]

Mr. Maclean

On 17 June, my right hon. and learned Friend published a consultation paper entitled "Sentencing and Supervision of Sex Offenders". The proposals in that paper would help to protect women by strengthening arrangements for the supervision of sex offenders, by requiring those offenders to notify the police of their address and by extending the powers of the police and Prison Service to take samples for the purposes of DNA testing.

The Government are also committed to combating domestic violence vigorously. Inter-departmental groups of Ministers and of officials were set up in 1993 to co-ordinate an effective and concerted response to domestic violence. Both groups are due to meet shortly to review and develop initiatives aimed at promoting more co-ordinated national and local responses to the problems associated with domestic violence.

Although the risk of becoming a victim of violent crime is relatively low, it can be reduced still further. Since 1988, almost 23 million copies of "Your Practical Guide to Crime Prevention" has been distributed. This Home Office booklet includes advice to women on how to minimise their risk from violence.

Notifiable offences recorded by the police and clear-up rates, Staffordshire 1979–1995
Burglary in a dwelling Theft of a vehicle Theft from a vehicle
Year Number of offences Clear-up rate Per cent. Number of offences Clear-up rate Per cent. Number of offences Clear-up rate Per cent.
1979 2,755 35 2,876 41 4,415 28
1980 3,085 29 3,325 38 4,186 23
1981 3,565 38 3,248 41 5,968 27
1982 4,304 41 3,130 40 5,842 28
1983 5,177 34 3,224 40 6,082 28
1984 5,783 42 3,081 35 6,181 27
1985 5,516 44 3,394 34 6,423 38
1986 6,250 31 4,640 34 7,386 28
1987 6,520 29 4,376 33 8,333 25
1988 6,337 37 4,859 41 9,287 39
1989 5,430 39 5,960 39 8,946 29
1990 7,639 30 7,077 42 12,601 28
1991 9,846 35 9,290 37 15,382 27
1992 12,570 22 11,507 30 16,710 20
1993 13,833 22 10,853 30 16,758 19
1994 12,637 24 9,638 27 16,320 20
1995 12,090 30 8,775 26 14,970 20