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Government Moves To Tackle Violence Towards Females

May 15th 2009

The government has established a new taskforce aiming to end violence against women and girls.

It will be made up of health professionals, NHS managers and representatives from the public, social services and voluntary sector, said home secretary Jacqui Smith on Wednesday (May 13).

"Violence against women and girls is completely unacceptable and we must all see it as our duty to step in and help someone who is at risk," she said. "We need a wide range of workers on the frontline to be alert to the signs of violence against women and girls and able to provide support. We need to do all we can together to prevent violence from occurring."

In addition to setting up the taskforce, the government also promised to double the funding for the 24-hour National Domestic Violence helpline.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson said: "Almost one in three women will experience domestic violence at some point during their lives and nearly one in four will experience some form of sexual assault.

"Many women who have suffered violence and abuse turn to GPs and A&E for support and treatment - the taskforce will help us to ensure that all NHS staff are trained to care for women and girls and help prevent further abuse."

The taskforce will be led by Professor George Alberti, former National Clinical Director for Emergency Access and Service Design.

He said: "Violence and abuse against women and girls is an enormously important and rather neglected area. The taskforce will bring together people with a range of different skills and experience to help tackle violence and abuse against women and girls."

Government Moves To Tackle Violence Towards Females

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