Labour promises bill to protect women and girls in wake of Sarah Everard killing

[stumbledin]

I cant find this on the labour party web site, but apparently they are putting forward a bill to make those harsher sentencing for violence against women. eg:

"It would end the anomaly that sees men convicted of killing their partner at home receiving sentences as much as 10 years shorter than those who murder a stranger in the street."

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/sarah-everard-keir-starmer-women-b1829712.html

Not posting because I in any way support the Labour Party or any party just wondered what others think?

From another article:

1. Action to bring rapists to justice – rape convictions are at an all-time low with just 1.5% of people charged with rape are getting convicted, yet rape reports are up by 35%. We should fast track rape and serious sexual assault cases through the courts and CPS who have been left to wait years for their case to get to trial.

1. New laws to stop harassment - as it stands creeps harassing women on the street are not breaking the law. That makes no sense and we need a new law now.

1. Men who abduct, assault and murder women belong behind bars for life – let’s extend ‘Whole Life’ sentences for anyone found guilty of ‘abduction and sexual assault and murder of a stranger’.

1. Proper support for victims of attacks – create a survivor support package, including a legal help for victims and better training for professionals to give people the help they need.

1. Educate our young people – start a proper education campaign to make sure young boys and girls knows it is never acceptable to abuse or disrespect women- as well as the rules around sexual consent.

1. Longer jail time for rapists and stalkers – some of the sentences handed out for these appalling crimes are a disgrace. Let’s make sure the time fits the crime.

7. Treat domestic murders seriously – end the injustice that means someone can get a sentence of 10 years less for murdering their partner at home, than for murdering someone on the street.

1. Make abuse of women count – the abuse of women that drives these crimes is not even counted by the police, that needs to change and misogyny should be recognized as the hateful crime it is.

1. Fair access to Domestic Abuse services – no victim turned away from services for domestic abuse because of their background. Helping get support to all those who need it and making sure we can do more to catch perpetrators.

10. It’s not women’s fault – stop the message that women are to blame because of what they wear, when they are out or for not ‘keeping themselves safe’. Time for a proper strategy to catch and punish offenders, challenge behaviour and improve the freedom of all women.

www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/10-point-plan-keep-women-23731333

Of course this all assumes the police catch the perpetrators and the CPS agrees for that there is enough evidence for it to go to court.

@stumbledin

'Fair access to Domestic Abuse services – no victim turned away from services for domestic abuse because of their background'

hmmmm .... I didn't see that. Do they mean "background" which is what? Or is this some new way of saying gender identity? Or worse that they dont think refuges should have the right to provide single sex services as allowed under the EA?

I assume they mean people with uncertain immigration status. At present if you are in the UK with a visa that has "no recourse to public funds", which is everyone who doesn't have indefinite leave to remain, then you cannot access the majority of domestic violence services as they are council funded or rely on claiming housing benefits for refuge residents.

This obviously makes it very difficult for immigrant women to access support. For example if you come on a spousal visa you have to wait 5 years before you can apply for Indefinite leave to remain.

It's a massive issue. Southall Black Sisters are currently running both a lobbying campaign on it at the moment. You can also donate to their fund to provide refuge services to women in this situation.

Nicegerbil as I said in post immediately above yours, it was first trailed in the Daily Mirror who said they had been part of formulating it althought officially the work of 2 Labout mps named.

And the recent mentions in the media are because the Independent wrote it up on the basis of the interview with Starmer in Sunday Times.

I dont think older women are ever excluded from DV services because of their age. The recent publicity regarding older women and DV is because most MSM ignore them.

But suspect many DV services aren't accessible so can see that women with disablities may not get the same level of service.

So hope, as the word used is "background", that the reference is to women who are refugees or asylum seekers.

And I can remember at one time these was publicity given to women who were in the country based on a religious marriage which the state did not recognise.

@Whatsnewpussyhat

No use if labour can't even define what a woman is.

SEX based violence and abuse.

👆

I really want specialist services for refugees.

I really really wish there would also be the same for disabled and middle aged and older victims.

Disabled victims suffer abuse for longer than non disabled victims, and often more serious abuse. Disability is definitely main reason why I stayed.

It's big additional barriers to leaving and in accessing support. When I first asked for help I was sent back and forth between DA services and adult social care. Kept being told the other would help. I gave up on help and didn't try again for a few years..

Refugees, ethnic minorities, disabled, and older aren't turned away from mainstream services. Its just we have different life experience and needs from other groups. We have extra barriers to leaving and we need specialist services with the expertise and training.

There is no specialist service at all for disabled victims. Nothing for older victims either. It would help so much and make lots of difference in if we leave or not if we have specialised support where there's expertise and experience on our needs and barriers.

Every woman has different experiences of peri and menopause. Sometimes it's bad physically and mentally. Many younger domestic abuse workers don't have understanding of the menopause. It's not their fault as it's often still downplayed by lots of dcotors.

The fatigue, the brain fog, or the days of heavy periods that can make you dizzy or faint. Days where you're not well enough to get out of bed. The extra anxiety when already suffering from trauma and hypervigilance.

It's so much more difficult and distressing going through that in a refuge or when trying to get the right support.

Abusers are often carers for disabled victims. It's much harder to leave physically, mentally, and practically.

The temporary accommodation, refuge, and rehousing options suitable for a young or non disabled victim is not necessarily appropriate for middle aged, older, or disabled victim.

I've lost a lot of hope. I don't think Labour remembered disabled or older women when writing this bill. I don't many people do and lots don't care either. I wish things did change but I don't think they will.