Lords debates violence against women and girls

Debate 

The debate was proposed by Baroness Drake (Labour), former Commissioner of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and opened by Baroness Warwick of Undercliffe (Labour), member of the Lords Adult Social Care Committee.

This was a general debate. During debates, members put their experience to good use to discuss current issues and draw the government's attention to concerns.     

Members speaking    

Members speaking in the debate included:

• Baroness Burt of Solihull (Liberal Democrat), former member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Domestic Abuse Bill
• Baroness Gale (Labour), former Commissioner for Wales in the Women's National Commission
• Baroness Helic (Conservative), advisory board member of the Centre for Women, Peace and Security, London School of Economics
• Lord Loomba (Crossbench), vice president of Barnardo's children's charity.

Opening the debate, Baroness Warwick said:

'The impact of violence extends to experience of the criminal justice system. Women from minoritised groups and immigrant women are particularly fearful of engaging with the police. Victims’ experience in the court process too often serves to enhance the impact of the violence.'

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (Green) said:

'The solutions to the problem within our society involve addressing the imbalances of power, including economic and social power...We need relationship education to inculcate values of respect for others and respect for difference. These must be provided in schools and other appropriate environments.'

Responding on behalf of the government, Lord Sharpe of Epsom said:

'This is a societal concern and requires a whole-of-society response. Driving that response is a key priority for the Government and for me, because no one should have to feel unsafe or suffer abuse. We must be and we will be relentless in our efforts to help victims pursue perpetrators, and we will strengthen our systems so that all victims of these crimes have the support and protection they deserve.'

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Watch and read the debate   

Find out more about the issues discussed: watch live on Parliament TV or read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Explore background information   

Find out more about the issues the debate covers in the House of Lords Library briefing.   

Learn more about how the House of Lords checks and challenges government. 

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