As a woman and a member of the Labour Party, I have always been deeply committed to advocating for the rights and safety of all women and girls. During my time in elected politics, I’ve given a huge amount of my political headspace to the issue of violence against women and girls (VAWG). I believe it is our duty to speak up about this issue and to be relentless in our commitment to ending it.
I have never been naïve to the issue and its prevalence in our society, but I have been shocked at the abject failure of media commentary and politicians to attribute blame where blame truly lies, at the perpetrators.
During the pandemic this became all the more stark. We saw rampant sexism exposed in the country’s largest police force following the appalling response to the Sarah Everard vigil in Clapham after a serving male police officer had abused his position of power to rape and murder an innocent woman. Burying our collective head in the sand has very real consequences for women everywhere.
Lockdowns provided a perfect environment for abusers, a nightmarish one for the abused. Victims found it difficult to seek help. In my own Liverpool City Region, we witnessed a spate of violence against women. Woman after woman killed. We must learn from these experiences and resolve to strain every sinew in demanding ‘enough’.
We have made progress as a society in so many ways but in others, not nearly enough. The scourge of violence against women and girls sadly continues to be a huge issue in the UK and across the world. It is devastating that in 2024 we are still having to talk about this. For every woman, every girl everywhere this is a matter of social justice, equality and human dignity.
Women make up 50 per cent of the population. We should be talking about closing the gender pay gap, delivering for women in low paid sectors like social care, and bettering access to affordable childcare for young mothers. We must encourage young girls and women to enter the arena of science and technology, but sadly we are still having to fight and plead just to keep women and girls safe from male violence.
My party, rooted in those ideals of social justice, equality and human dignity is perfectly positioned to lead the charge against such abhorrent acts of violence. The Labour movement has a long-standing and proud history of championing the rights of the oppressed. It is therefore incumbent upon us to make putting an end to violence against women and girls our priority in government.
The statistics are horrifying. According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, it was estimated that 1.4 million women experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023. It is also important to remember that these are not just statistics; they represent individual lives – mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends – who are living in fear, pain and suffering. We have a responsibility to do better.
This Labour Government must seize the opportunity to make a difference. We must prioritise legislation that protects women and girls from violence, abuse and harassment in all its forms. We must ensure that the police and the criminal justice system are equipped to handle cases of domestic abuse and violence against women effectively. We must also ensure that victims receive the support they need, including counselling and safe housing.
Furthermore, our efforts should not stop at reactive measures. We must also be proactive in our approach, prioritising education and awareness to prevent such atrocities from occurring in the first place.
We must remember that change does not happen overnight. It requires concerted effort, relentless dedication, and a deep-seated commitment to justice and equality. But if we commit ourselves to this cause, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and girls across the country.
Violence against women and girls is not just a women's issue; it is a societal issue, a human rights issue, and one that we, as the Labour Party, must confront head-on. Together, we can create a safer, more equitable society for all. As it's not just about getting into government; it's about what we do once we're there. Let's make tackling violence against women and girls and domestic abuse our priority. Let's make history by making violence against women and girls history.
by Paula Barker MP
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