Lib Dem MP releases figures on International Women's Day showing rise in cases of domestic violence

11.48.11am GMT Wed 8th Mar 2006

On International Women's Day (March 8th) Sandra Gidley, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Women, has released the latest figures contained in a Home Office parliamentary answer on the rising number of domestic violence cases in England and Wales.

The number of cases in England and Wales dealt with by the Crown Prosecution Service which involve domestic violence increased by 36 per cent between April to December 2004 and April to December 2005 (from 25,826 to 35,231).

In a separate parliamentary answer from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, there were 82,323 people taking up Supporting People services between April and September 2005; 10,700 of whom were doing so as a result of domestic violence (13 per cent). This averages 60 women per day taking up Supporting People Services as a result of domestic violence.

The budget for the Supporting People Programme experienced cuts of around 7.5% of the 2005/06 period with a cut of £30 million announced for the 2006/07 period. This could have an impact on services provided to victims of domestic violence.

Sandra said:

"International Women's Day will merely mark another day during which hundreds of thousands of women in England and Wales are trapped in an abusive, violent relationship. The Government must take urgent note of these statistics and implement an integrated strategy aimed at preventing violence against women."

"Domestic violence accounts for a nearly quarter of all recorded violent crime in England and Wales.

"The fact that two women per week are killed by a male partner or former partner, which accounts for nearly half of all female murder victims, is an astonishing statistic that suggests the topic is much more serious than people realise.

"Violence against women is a shameful violation of human rights. As long as it continues, we cannot claim to be making real progress towards equality."