50 YEARS OF FIGHTING DOMESTIC ABUSE.
But so much more still to do.
Domestic abuse campaigners ‘Women’s Aid’ are celebrating 50 years, this year, of helping women and children escape domestic violence in the UK.
However, a word of caution has been aired as despite milestones reached, such as ‘The Domestic Abuse Act’ 2021 and the criminalization of coercive control there is still so much more to do.
The anniversary coincides with the election of a new government and the culmination of the ‘Come together to end Domestic Abuse’ campaign launched in 2022.
The then home Secretary Priti Patel said of the campaign: “We all have a duty to work together to stop domestic abuse, prevent violence and provide care and support for victims.”
Of domestic abuse itself she added: “- it is an inhumane and unacceptable crime that can result in people’s closest and most trusted relationships becoming a frightening existence.”
With the new government comes fresh hope but women’s aid have presented stark facts for all political parties to consider.
Three of the most startling figures are:
1. 3 women a fortnight are killed by a partner or ex-partner.
2. Domestic abuse accounts for nearly 1 in 5 crimes recorded by the police.
3. The economic and societal cost of domestic abuse in England was just under £78 billion in 2022.
Numerous actions are being implemented in order to change attitudes and raise awareness of the problem. Targets include society in general the media and in education.
The advice to the public is to join campaigns and or fundraise or donate to the charity.
Farah Nazeer, chief executive of women’s aid said: “I know how powerful it can be when we come together to achieve change. We all have a duty to work together to stop domestic abuse.”
In their manifesto they plead with the government tto transform societal attitudes and understanding. They call for a gendered approach for people to recognize that violence in them home is predominantly men against women; highlight the fact thatwomens rights are human rights and a whole system response which is for all government departments to play their part.
Womens aid are in no doubt that change will not come easily so they welcome the new goverments pledge to halve violence against women within a decade but they are pleading with them for sustainable investment. They say that survivors have been let down by inadequate funding.
Local councils actions have recently come under fire. In Bournemouth the local BCP council closed down the towns only refuge centre.
Lucy Hadley, head of policy at Women’s Aid said: “We are incredibly concerned about the councils justification for closing down Bournemouth’s only women’s refuge.
She went on to say that: “Women and children escaping domestic abuse are turned away daily from the lifesaving support they need, often experiencing homelessness.”
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