Tom Gordon MP challenges prosecution rates on violence against women and girls in Parliament

Tom Gordon the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough posed
questions to the Solicitor General on increasing prosecution rates in cases involving
violence against women and girls (VAWG).

The Minister, who oversees the Crown Prosecution Service, thanked Tom for the
question before discussing the increased number of barristers available to prosecute
rape cases and money set aside for independent legal advisers for adult victims of
rape.

Mr Gordon followed up with a question about public confidence and trust in the
system, asking what further actions were being taken to ensure they were
“prosecuted and treated with the gravity they deserve, and that justice will be
delivered for victims?”.

She elaborated on the enhanced service offered to rape victims by the CPS,
including dedicated victim liaison officers and victims being offered a meeting with
the prosecution team ahead of trial.

Tom said:
“Violence against women and girls remains unacceptably high. My inbox has been
flooded with people concerned about cases like Fordingbridge.

“Cases like these have a terrible impact on the victims of these crimes and others as
they lose yet more faith in the criminal justice system.

“We must fight for a system that victims can trust.