EVAW and members give evidence to MPs about DV Bill

Women’s groups took the opportunity to tell MPs that the Bill doesn’t go far enough and must tackle violence against women and girls more broadly. We also made the case for measures which increase support and justice for ALL women, and ensure there is a coherent cross-government approach to tackling and preventing abuse. We were joined by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Paladin who highlighted the need for a better approach to stalking. You can watch the hearing here.

The Committee has also heard from from Southall Black Sisters and Women’s Aid on the need for this Bill to uphold the rights of migrant women to access safety and support and on the importance of sustaining a national network of specialist women’s sector services.

Andrea Simon, Public Affairs Manger at EVAW who gave evidence said:

“We welcome the Home Affairs Committee looking into where this proposed law is failing to address the reality of women’s lives and what needs to be done to respond to and prevent abuse.

“It is extremely disappointing that we still have to make the case to MPs for legislation to acknowledge the gendered nature of this abuse, which we know has a disproportionate impact on women and girls and sees two women killed every week by a current or ex-partner.

“The Government set out great ambitions for this Bill when it was launched, but it will fail to achieve them if it does not address the impact policies like the ‘hostile environment’ are having on migrant women, or include a guarantee of protection, support and advocacy for all women.”