Written question asked by Louise Ellman (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 July 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 July 2003. It was answered by Lord Blunkett (Labour) on Monday, 14 July 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress has been made on tackling domestic violence.

Answer: Mrs. Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on tackling domestic violence. [125069] Mr. Blunkett: Domestic violence is a serious and appalling crime. It represents around a quarter of violent crime. Every week, two women die as a result of such violence. On 18 June we published "Safety and Justice", a consultation paper outlining proposals to help prevent and tackle the consequences of domestic violence. We want to prevent domestic violence occurring in the first place and to intervene early where it does occur. We want to protect victims and bring offenders to justice, and we want to support victims and their children in re- building their lives. We want this consultation to be as wide as possible because it is important that we get it right.

Secondary information