PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Non-molestation Orders: Coronavirus (24 June 2020)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department has taken to help ensure the safety of alleged victims in cases where a non-molestation order has been breached during the covid-19 outbreak and the alleged perpetrator of the breach is awaiting trial.

Asked by:
Mark Tami (Labour)

Domestic abuse cases are amongst the highest priority work being dealt with by the courts. Non-molestation?orders have been placed in the highest category of work in the magistrates’ and family courts, and they continue to be listed for urgent hearings despite the current restrictions. Domestic abuse cases will continue to be afforded a higher priority as public health restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic are adjusted.

Protecting victims of domestic abuse and robustly pursuing perpetrators remains a key policing priority during the pandemic and beyond. Where the police are dealing with breach of a non-molestation order, we expect them to engage with local IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate) and community-based services to ensure that the victim and their children receive appropriate specialist support throughout the criminal justice process.

Answered by:
Victoria Atkins (Conservative)
6 July 2020