Kemptown MP supports continued work to end violence against women and girls

Simon Kirby, the Member of Parliament for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has thrown his full support behind Government efforts to tackle violence against women and girls in both the UK and across the world.

YESTERDAY (November 25) marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, and over the next two weeks, further measures will be outlined in order to bring these terrible crimes to an end.

Statistics show that in 2013, 76 women were killed by their partners or ex-partners, 1.2 million women in England and Wales were victims of domestic abuse, and 300,000 were victims of sexual assault. Each of these figures is far too high, which demonstrates that there is much more that needs to be done to not only protect women and girls, but to drive change in all aspects of society.

Measures to tackle these problems include the criminalisation of forced marriage, stronger stalking laws, as well as work being done to end revenge porn, and further strengthening of the laws regarding female genital mutilation.

There is also the importance of protecting the next generation by using education in schools to reach out to young people and teach them about violence, abuse, and to promote healthy relationships.

Finally, there has been advances in the training of police officers who deal with these issues on a regular basis, as well as improving health and social care services that are available to victims of abuse.

Mr Kirby, said: “I am supportive of the reforms that the government has introduced to tackle violence towards women and girls.

There is still more that must be done to end horrific crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual assault, but I am pleased with the progress that has been made with the strengthened laws. Educating young people about abuse and violence towards women, as well as promoting healthy relationships is also so important to help protect the next generation of women.

“I am a proud supporter of these laws and initiatives, and I will be supporting further changes to bring about greater protection and support for women and girls in Brighton Kemptown and across the UK.”