And whilst we’re on local government issues…
By Louise Livesey | 30 January 2009, 15:12
The Guardian reports that more than 100 local councils may be prosecuted for failure to provide adequate services for those experiencing sexual and domestic violence. The Equalities and Human Rights Commission has warned local authorities they need to explain why there is a lack of provision in their areas within the month and if the answer is unsatisfactory face legal enforcement of the people’s rights to adequate services.
This move follows research by End Violence Against Women which showed 1 in 4 local authorities offered no specialised services for women facing violence or abuse. The situation was even more dire for those seeking specialist care for example for minority ethnic women or lesbian and bisexual women.
Trevor Phillips, Head of the EHRC said “Because violence against women is such a major cause of women’s inequality, public bodies should ensure adequate support for women in such circumstances.”
There is also a Women’s Hour discussion on this topic involving Liz Kelly (chair of End Violence Against Women) and Trevor Phillips (Chair of EHRC).
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JENNIFER DREW said:
Where are the Local Authorities to find the funding required to provide support services to women who have experienced male violence? Contained within report by EVAW is the fact central government has a responsibility in providing funding for women's support services but such funding is still not forthcoming. May be it is a case of government passing the buck because ultimately responsibility lies with central government. Devolving responsibilities to local authorities is a very convenient way for central Government to absolve itself of any accountability to women who are the ones overwhelmingly affected by male violence committed against them.
Time to take central Government to court perhaps for failing to implement Gender Equality?
Posted on 30 January 2009 at 3:56 PM
Shell said:
Wow, they're doing something... we just need a whole lot more reactions to wide scale male violence against women like this. For instance from main governments??
This is such a huge issue, it should be given more coverage in the media, bills should be being passed in the houses of parliament right now. Passing to local authorities demonstrates apathy towards the issue.
Posted on 31 January 2009 at 4:06 AM
MsChin said:
The Map of Gaps 2 postcode search for services on the website has not been thought through. If I search for my postcode, the info on the district council shows no services. Yet we are in an area where services are shared across district councils / county council, and have a vast range of services available - women's aid has been in this area for more than 25 years, we have a sexual assault referral centre shared across the county but its located in another district. It's misleading, women's aid has been made invisible in my area and more seriously, local women may believe there is no local help available, when there is.
Posted on 31 January 2009 at 12:35 PM