§ 26. Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Solicitor-General what steps she is taking to improve guidance to the Crown Prosecution Service on cases of domestic violence. [154535]
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§ The Solicitor-GeneralDuring 2003, Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) undertook a thematic inspection of how domestic violence cases were investigated and prosecuted. The final report is due to be published later this month.
In order to address the findings and recommendations of the inspection and to reflect changes in law and practice, notably the pre-charge advice scheme and possible statutory developments arising from the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill, the detailed guidance that accompanies the Crown Prosecution Service policy on handling domestic violence cases will be updated in autumn 2004.
§ 27. Mr. CatonTo ask the Solicitor-General if she will make a statement on the relationship between the proposed commissioner for domestic violence and the Crown Prosecution Service. [154536]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Crown Prosecution Service, along with other authorities, will work constructively with the Commissioner to champion the interests of victims and witnesses.