Domestic Violence

HC Deb 01 May 2003 vol 404 c453W

14. Andrew Selous

To ask the Minister for Women if she will make a statement on the Government's plans to tackle domestic violence. [110646]

Ms Hewitt

As a Government, we are consulting with a view to bringing forward legislation to tackle the issue of domestic violence, we are putting funding into refuges, and establishing a new helpline for women fleeing violence. My own Department is developing initiatives to raise awareness, and my right hon. Friend the Solicitor-General is working with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to change the way the police and prosecution services work on domestic violence.