This petition managed to gain enough signatures thanks to an amazing supporter who brought this to MN. Mumsnetters from all over the UK signed in support. I'm not sure it would have made it within the time scale without Mumsnet. Original petition here. ( Now closed)
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/578416
Some background, courtesy of www.sistahspace.org/valerieslaw
Valerie Forde and her 23-month-old daughter were brutally murdered by Valerie’s ex-partner Roland McKoy in 2014. Six weeks prior to their murder, Valerie reported McKoy’s threats to police but this was carelessly recorded as a threat to property rather than a threat to life.
As seen in Valerie’s case and with many other domestic violence victims, police officers and relevant agencies have a severe knowledge gap when it comes to the black community and it’s domestic violence victims. As with every culture, the black community has a plethora of colloquialisms, languages and customs within itself that must be acknowledged and understood in mainstream institutions to better protect black women fleeing violence. Government agencies that serve diverse communities have a responsibility to educate their service providers about the people they are designated to protect and not rely on standard White-British customs as the norm. Without a basic understanding of these cultural differences, it is impossible for police officers and service providers to ensure black women are equally protected in the United Kingdom.
Please ask your MPs to support the request for dedicated training during the debate on 28th March.
Thank you Mumsnetters.