Written questions by Kyrke-Smith.

What steps he is taking to ensure that magistrates receive training on (a) coercive control and (b) the longer-term impacts of domestic abuse; and whether any similar training is planned for the future.

To preserve judicial independence, under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, the Lady Chief Justice has the statutory responsibility for the training of the courts judiciary in England and Wales, fulfilled by the Judicial College.Domestic abuse is a significant element of initial and ongoing training for magistrates and legal advisers. All magistrates complete induction training on appointment and when authorised in new jurisdictions, before they undertake sittings. Regular continuation training in relation to domestic abuse, in all its forms, is provided thereafter. Magistrates sitting in the family and criminal jurisdictions receive mandatory domestic abuse training. The training is trauma-informed and reflects the wide nature of domestic abuse including coercive and controlling behaviour.The College regularly reviews its training to ensure it remains high quality and up to date, and reflects contemporary law, practice and procedure.

What steps her Department is taking to support families of UK citizens murdered overseas.

The Government remains committed to improving the support available to families affected by these tragic events. We recognise the importance of ensuring that bereaved families receive clear, compassionate, and timely information.The Ministry of Justice is working closely with the Victims’ Commissioner, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the National Police Chiefs’ Council to develop guidance aimed at improving the accessibility and clarity of information for families in these circumstances.Families bereaved by homicide abroad can also access government commissioned support services. This includes the Homicide Service which offers emotional, practical, specialist, advocacy, and peer support to help families build resilience to cope with the impact of these devastating crimes.

Whether the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund will be extended beyond March 2025.

This Government is committed to ensuring that all victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse have the information and support they need. On 1 October 2024, I wrote to recipients of the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund to confirm that HM Treasury have announced departmental budgets for financial year 2025/26 will be set out through a Budget on 30 October 2024. I understand the need to prioritise confirmation of their budgets as early as possible.