To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what community programmes are available in lieu of prison sentences for (a) female and (b) gay or lesbian perpetrators of domestic violence; and if he will make a statement.

The National Probation Service (NPS) and Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) work with all offenders to address the factors associated with their offending, including factors associated with their violent behaviour. Depending on the individual offender’s needs, there are a wide range of services in the community to address their offending behaviour and the factors leading to offending. These include emotion management, treatment for substance misuse and mental health, relationship skills, dealing with own victimisation and stress management.