Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy

Baroness Butler-Sloss Excerpts

Wednesday 21st January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Smith of Cluny (Lab)]

I am grateful to the noble Lord for raising this prescient and important issue. I am pleased to report that the Government are taking action. That is why a consultation on this issue has been announced. The reason for announcing a consultation is that, on such a vital issue, we must be evidence-led. There is not a consensus on this issue. Powerful and important groups, such as the NSPCC, have voiced opinions in one direction, and we have heard strong advocation for the other side of the argument. Australia is undertaking a living experiment that we can learn from, so we will consult, we will be led by the evidence, and we will report back to this House.

[Baroness Butler-Sloss (CB)]

My Lords—

[Lord Griffiths of Burry Port (Lab)]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness Butler-Sloss (CB)]

I heard of a case of a four year-old boy in a refuge hitting a three year-old girl because that is what daddy did to mummy at home. Is the Minister aware of how early children need to be supported on this?

[Baroness Smith of Cluny (Lab)]

The Government are aware, and that is why we have taken a whole-system approach in the strategy. A cross-government approach means that the housing needs of such children will be addressed through the strategy, as well as social care, education and any relevant criminal justice needs. The central plank of the strategy is that it is cross-governmental, as a well as taking a whole-system approach more generally.