Oral Answers to Questions

Sureena Brackenridge Excerpts

Wednesday 9th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Lee Dillon (Newbury) (LD)]

6. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help tackle violence against women and girls.

[Sureena Brackenridge (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab)]

7. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to halve levels of violence against women and girls.

[Jerome Mayhew (Broadland and Fakenham) (Con)]

9. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help tackle violence against women and girls.

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[Alex Davies-Jones]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this vital point, and my thoughts are with everyone tomorrow recognising the day tomorrow. The Law Commission is looking at the links between suicide and domestic abuse, we are working with the Office of the Chief Coroner to formally establish a pathway, and we are also working with brilliant organisations, such as the one from the hon. Gentleman’s constituency, that support bereaved families and individuals.

[Sureena Brackenridge]

I welcome the Government’s accelerated roll-out of specialist police rape and sexual offence teams. Will the Minister consider what more help can be given upstream through relationships and sex education so that young people know where to seek help after sexual assault? Willow Tree sexual assault referral centre, which is in the constituency of my right hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton South East (Pat McFadden), provides specialist support and enables young people in Wolverhampton and Willenhall to self-refer. Will the Minister work with police, schools and sexual assault referral centres to ensure that young people know support is available?

[Alex Davies-Jones]

Absolutely. Prevention is at the heart of our flagship strategy to tackle violence against women and girls. That is why we are working on healthy relationship guidance so that all children can understand where to get help and what is an important relationship in their lives. Secondary pupils will be given information on where to report abuse and seek medical attention when required. Just yesterday, I got to witness that in person in Colchester at the Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse—a fantastic organisation that helps young people to rebuild their lives following sexual violence.