DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ORGANISATIONS

Early day motion 409, tabled 10 March 1999 by Jackie Ballard (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 50 members.

That this House congratulates voluntary sector organistions working with both the victims and perpetrators of domestic violence; acknowledges the value of self-referral services for perpetrators provided by the voluntary sector, working with abusers whose violence has not yet come into the criminal justice arena; recognises the importance of the emphasis of such projects on increasing the safety of current and potential future victims whilst holding perpetrators accountable for their abuse; applauds the Domestic Violence Intervention Project in Hammersmith and similar organisations which are carrying out ground-breaking work in this field, providing integrated programmes which challenge perpetrators and support victims; regrets that no central government funding is available for this work; and calls for the Government to acknowledge that the excellent work of such voluntary sector organisations is crucial in any harm and crime reduction strategy.

Signatures by party: Labour 29, Liberal Democrat 16, Labour/Co-operative 3, Conservative 1, UUP 1.