(Ogmore)
(Lab): The Government will be aware of the staggering increase in
domestic abuse through the pandemic, with Refuge reporting a 50%
increase in the use of its hotline. Meanwhile, the Employers’
Initiative on Domestic Abuse, which the Prime Minister’s
predecessor supports, warns of the huge risks of home working to
many people facing domestic abuse. Domestic abuse has no borders,
so will the Prime Minister ensure that the UK Government, before a
second English lockdown begins, produces a well-resourced plan for
addressing it? Will he also join me, South Wales
Policeand Members from across the House in himself
becoming a member of the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse,
to send a clear signal that no one should have to live with
violence in their home?
The Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman is entirely right, in the
sense that, although the absolute numbers have not gone up in the
way we feared, we are unquestionably seeing repeat victimisation
in domestic contexts. It is intolerable. As the House knows, we
have set up helplines to tackle it, and we are investing in
refuges and independent domestic violence advisers. It is
absolutely crucial that we tackle the scourge of domestic abuse
and also deal with the mental health consequences for the
victims. That is why we are investing massively in mental health
and mental health charities.
