International day against domestic violence
25 November 2003 is International Day Against Violence Against Women and yet sadly, even in this day and age, domestic violence remains a major women’s issue. But in the UK today, on the eve of the Queen’s Speech, there is hope that expected domestic violence legislation will mean women no longer have to live in fear.
In the UK alone the situation is shocking:
- 1:4 women will suffer domestic violence at some time in their life
- 2 women are killed every week in England and Wales at the hands of a current or former partner.
Refuge, the UK’s largest single provider of specialist accommodation and support to women and children escaping domestic violence, is encouraging everyone in the UK to recognise this international day and the injustice of domestic violence.
Sandra Horley, Refuge chief executive, says: “Sadly, even in this day and age domestic violence is not only widespread, but largely unacknowledged. It is a crime and it must not be ignored.
“Today, on such a poignant international day and on the eve of the Queen’s Speech, it is essential that everyone recognises the unacceptability of domestic violence. If you think you know someone who could be at risk then encourage them to call the 24-hour national helpline, it might just save a life.”
Refuge, Cherie Booth QC and top celebrities are using International Day Against Violence Against Women to speak out and bring domestic violence from out of the shadows:
Cherie Booth QC: “Every woman has the right to feel safe in her own home. But for a woman living with domestic violence, going home is what she most fears. One woman in four is abused during her lifetime. It could happen to your mother, sister, friend or colleague. Domestic violence touches us all. I know that together we can end the misery, fear and isolation that so many women live with every day.”
Christina Aguilera: “For too long domestic violence has been a hidden crime. We all need to face up to the extent of the problem and bring it out into the open.”
Fay Ripley: “As hard as it is to believe, we all know someone who has experienced domestic violence, whether we realise it or not. I believe that we all have a responsibility to bring the issue of domestic violence out into the open so that something can be done to stop it.”
Zoë Wanamaker: “It could be happening to our mothers, sisters or friends. Please don’t let it happen to our daughters. Don’t ignore domestic violence.”
Denise Van Outen: ‘”Thousands of women and children are living in constant fear because of domestic violence. For their sakes, please let’s not ignore it any longer. Domestic violence is a crime, it must stop.”
Natalie Appleton: “Home should be a sanctuary – not a place of fear and terror. Even if domestic violence happens behind closed doors it’s still our business.”
