§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will ensure that any police intervention in family disputes involving violence is even handed and will deal with violence by women towards their husbands or children as well as violence by men towards their wives or children; and whether they will ensure any sanctions imposed apply equally to both sexes. [HL3566]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe Government have emphasised that all forms of violence are unacceptable and that domestic violence can occur in all types of relationship, including those in which a woman abuses a man and in same sex relationships. Both our Break the Chain campaign and guidance to chief constables about the definition of domestic violence for statistical returns issued earlier in the year reflect this gender neutral approach.
How each police force tackles domestic violence is an operational matter for the chief officer.
§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will undertake a detailed study of physical, mental and verbal abuse by wives against husbands, including common law relationships. [HL3567]
§ Lord Williams of MostynEarlier this year we clarified the definition of domestic violence for statistical purposes. This new definition should improve the quality and consistency of domestic violence statistics, regardless of whether a man is abusing a woman, a woman is abusing a man, or in same sex relationships. That should bring about an important improvement in our knowledge of the extent and nature of domestic violence.
I cannot say at this stage whether any forthcoming victim survey will specifically address the issues raised in the Question.
§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will set up an inquiry into the part played by alcohol abuse in family violence. [HL3568]
§ Lord Williams of MostynAlcohol is often a factor in violence against partners, as in other crimes of violence. The Government are developing a strategy to tackle alcohol misuse in all its forms. One of these broad aims is to protect individuals and society from anti-social and criminal behaviour associated with all forms of alcohol misuse. We expect to publish the strategy, after consultation, in early 2000.