Violence on Women is just unacceptable

A consultation document to tackle violence against women in England and Wales has been announced today by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

The 'consultation' will consider applying more powers against those convicted of domestic violence, and better ways to pass information between police forces.

Ministers are also considering giving police the right to ban offenders from the family home for a fortnight.

In 2007, 142 people died in UK attacks, including 38 men, and there are thought to be thousands of abuse cases a year.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith told the BBC News, "any violence against women, inside the home, or outside the home, is unacceptable".

"In my book, it doesn't matter the situation, it doesn't matter the context, women and girls shouldn't be the subject of violence."

Jacqui Smith's initiative today, for once, is one I wholeheartedly agree with!

National debate

Ms Smith's call for a national debate on the issue, asking police to report back on the powers they need to get a grip on the problem, is sorely needed. Any violence directed at women should be stamped out and I for one, very much welcome this 'consultation' launch today.

Whilst the vast majority of us, I'm sure, abhor violence on women, and will also welcome a national debate on this issue... we should also remember the abuse that apparently 1 in 6 men also suffer at the hands of women.

Further information and help with this issue is available here:

UK Home Office > Domestic Violence

BBC > Relationships > Domestic violence