Women condemn violence campaign
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A campaign to combat domestic violence was launched by the Government yesterday, against a background of statistics showing that it now accounts for a quarter of all recorded violent crime, writes Heather Mills.
But the pounds 170,000 publicity campaign was immediately attacked by women's groups and refuge organisations for doing nothing for the victims of abuse in the home.
A spokeswoman for Women Against Rape said: 'It offers little or nothing in the way of services, protection, policing or resources.' The group attacked the Government for its lack of funding for refuges - several had been forced to close.
It also attacked benefit cuts and the Child Support Act which 'forced women back into financial dependence on men'. Lack of money and housing were the two main reasons why four out of five women felt unable to escape violent partners, the organisation said.
Launching the campaign yesterday, David Mclean, a Home Office minister, described the 'prolonged pervasive and devastating effect' of the problem which some research has suggested affects one in four women.
'Domestic violence is a criminal offence. Recognising that fact is the first step to making sure that the criminals who indulge in this awful crime are punished,' he said.
The campaign's message, 'Domestic Violence is a Crime - Don't Stand For It]', will be featured on posters and leaflets in doctors' waiting rooms, police stations and social security offices.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments