News

Government disregards welfare of vulnerable women

Tuesday, 5 August 2014

Charities have warned that the widespread closure of women's refuges will have devastating consequences for women who are victims of domestic violence. Sandra Horley, chief executive of Refuge, said 'we are at crisis point...due to ongoing cuts to local funding and poor commissioning practices'. She went on to say that without refuge provision women will face the choice of either fleeing to live on the streets or remaining with their abuser. Theresa May ruled out ringfencing budgets for refuges.

In other news this week, critics have highlighted the failure of the UK to ratify the Council of Europe's Istanbul Convention on violence against women; and the banning of Justice Minister, Simon Hughes, from visiting women's community centres due to 'commercial interests'.

The Centre for Crime and Justice Studies and Women in Prison have issued a call to action, to Empower women, resist injustice and transform lives. The aim is to develop social interventions which tackle the root causes of the injustices facing women. You can find out more and sign it here.