Jessica Brown-Fuller, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Hospitals and Primary Care, has raised concerns about protections for victims of financial coercion and controlling behaviour.
Jessica Brown-Fuller asked the Secretary of State for Justice whether the government would assess the potential merits of providing financial protection for victims of (a) financially coercive and (b) other controlling behaviour.
Responding on behalf of the government, Alex Davies-Jones, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, highlighted the administration’s broader commitment to tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG). She stated:
“This Government was elected with a landmark mission to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade. We will use every tool within our power to target perpetrators and address the root causes of abuse and violence, including domestic abuse.”
Davies-Jones acknowledged the financial challenges victims of abuse face, particularly those in cohabiting relationships. She emphasised the government’s commitment to improving legal rights and protections for women in cohabiting relationships, as outlined in its 2024 manifesto. Further details on these measures are expected in the near future.
For divorcing couples, Davies-Jones pointed to the Law Commission’s December 2024 scoping report on financial remedies. The report examines how the courts account for conduct, such as domestic and economic abuse, when making financial decisions during divorce proceedings. She confirmed the government is carefully considering the findings of the report before taking further steps.