MPs won’t allow violence against women to be ‘swept under the carpet’

Left to right – Sarah Champion MP, Sally Bonnie, Director and Founder of Inspire Women Oldham, Debbie Abrahams MP, Councillor Yasmin Toor, Ikram Butt, former rugby league player and ambassador for the White Ribbon campaign to end violence against women

Reporter: Stuart Littleford

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth invited Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities, Sarah Champion, to Oldham to find out about the work being done by multi-agency groups to break the cycle of violence and exploitation against women and young girls.

After the round table session last Friday, at Medtia Chambers in Oldham, Debbie and Sarah went on to visit members of Project Phoenix, a police led multi-agency team, which focuses on child sexual exploitation to find out more about the work they do.

Debbie, who has made tackling violence and sexual exploitation against women and girls one of her top ten priorities, said: “Domestic violence and sexual exploitation against women and girls happens across the country and in all communities.

“I’m working with Oldham Council, Greater Manchester Police, Women’s Aid and other partners to raise awareness with young people about the issues, providing support for women who have been affected and ensuring appropriate responses to the issue from the justice system.

“Each week, across the UK, two women die at the hands of their current or former partners and three more commit suicide. This is completely unacceptable, it must be stopped, and we must all play our part in preventing it.

“At the round table discussion today we discussed evidence-based interventions that can prevent and detect domestic violence and exploitation. We also looked at the therapies and care that are available for people affected, and tried to identify if there are any gaps in services or if they need to be delivered differently.

“Talking with members of Inspire Women, the Collective Partnership and partners really highlighted how far we’ve come in terms of tackling these issues but, at the same time, makes us realise we still have a long way to go. But we’re determined to do everything we can to break the cycle of violence against women and young girls.”

Sarah Champion MP, said: “I was really impressed with the work, and the support being given to women, by Inspire Women and the Collective Partnership and the collaborative efforts of the teams making up Project Phoenix.

“I know that protecting women and girls from violence and sexual exploitation is a priority for Debbie here in Oldham East and Saddleworth, as it is for me as the shadow minister for women, and it’s not an issue we are prepared to have swept under the carpet as it has been in the past.

“Discussions, like the round table organised by the Collective Partnership, where women can talk openly and in safety, are crucial to allow us to gather evidence and work towards finding meaningful solutions to an ingrained problem.”

Sally Bonnie, Director and Founder of Inspire Women Oldham, said: “It’s a pleasure to have hosted this session with Sarah and Debbie as it was a great opportunity to showcase and share the work we’ve been doing as a partnership to empower and inspire women in Oldham over the last four years.

“Violence against women and young girls can leave them feeling alone and powerless but we’re here to support them through the loneliness, isolation and disempowerment by providing activities that help build self-confidence and independence and can help them resolve the issues in their lives.”

Superintendent Danny Inglis, Divisional Commander for Oldham Police, commenting on the MPs’ visit, said: “These types of events are important so we can continue to develop the way we work as a team and raise awareness for everyone.

“We must continue to improve and develop, but it is fantastic to see the good work which has supported many young people to date.”

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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