Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alan Mak and Oliver Heald

Tuesday 25th April 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Alan Mak (Havant) (Con)]

10. What progress the Government have made on their review of legal aid domestic violence evidence requirements.

[The Minister for Courts and Justice (Sir Oliver Heald)]

Following our completion of the review we announced our intention to make changes by secondary legislation that would make it easier for victims of domestic violence to access legal aid. These changes include removing the time limit on all forms of evidence and accepting evidence from domestic violence support organisations.

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[Sir Oliver Heald]

I can certainly do that, and I can also point to the recent changes made in courts to help victims of domestic violence to give evidence, such as the video links that we have introduced, and the provision for recorded evidence and cross-examination which is about to be rolled out. It is also important to say that the House generally supported the end to cross-examination by perpetrators.

[Mr Mak]

I thank the Minister for his answer and welcome the announcement. Will he join me in commending the Southern Domestic Abuse Service, a Havant-based charity that helps victims of domestic violence report to the police, and ensure that he continues working with such charities to make sure that the evidential guidelines are consistent with the sensitivity of this issue?

[Sir Oliver Heald]

I am happy to pay tribute to organisations that help victims of domestic violence on their work, and I know from talking to my hon. Friend, who is a strong advocate for them, that that service in Havant is excellent—so, yes, I agree with him.