The UK government pledges to address femicide as part of its mission to reduce violence against women and girls, according to a leading minister.
London: The UK government is stepping up its fight against femicide. Jess Phillips, the minister in charge, says it’s a key part of their plan to cut violence against women and girls. She’s making it clear that tackling this issue is essential.
Phillips pointed out that a woman is killed by a man every three days in the UK. That’s not just a number; it’s a reality that affects families and communities. She emphasized that these women had lives, jobs, and loved ones.
The stats are pretty grim. The Femicide Census shows that the rate of women being killed by men hasn’t really changed in over a decade. It’s a tough situation, and Phillips knows it’s a big challenge. She compared it to a mission to the moon, saying no country has managed to solve this problem yet.
She’s got a strong team behind her, including Yvette Cooper and Alex Davies-Jones, to push this agenda across all government departments. They’re all in it together, and Phillips is passionate about making a difference.
While some details are still vague, Phillips assured that the government is committed to using all its resources to tackle this issue. She mentioned new protection orders for women facing domestic abuse and plans to improve how police handle stalking cases.
More specific targets will be revealed soon, and Phillips is determined to make sure this isn’t just another empty promise. She wants real action, not just words on paper.
Addressing the problems in the criminal justice system is also a priority. Recent reports show that many rape victims are dropping out of prosecutions, which is alarming. Phillips described it as a “weeping sore” that needs urgent attention.
Education and prevention are crucial too. She believes we need to focus on stopping these crimes before they happen, especially among young people. It’s not just about punishment; it’s about changing behaviors.
Phillips is optimistic about getting support from across the government. She’s even jokingly mentioned involving the energy secretary to broaden the conversation. It’s all about creating a united front against this issue.
Experts like Karen Ingala Smith and Andrea Simons are also weighing in, stressing the need for a comprehensive strategy and secure funding for organizations working to combat violence against women.
Phillips has been reading out the names of women killed by men in Parliament for years. It’s a heavy task, and she’s hopeful that in the next decade, they can make real changes so that one day, that list won’t be necessary anymore.