DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN THE UK

Early day motion 1298, tabled 20 April 2009 by Diane Abbott (Labour). Signed by 77 members.

That this House is concerned at the consistently high levels of domestic violence taking place in the UK; is alarmed that recent statistics suggest two women a week are killed by their male partner or former partner; recognises the severe effects of domestic violence on children who witness or experience incidents of violence; further recognises the links between domestic violence and homelessness, miscarriage and mental health problems; notes the estimated overall costs of domestic violence to the Government for England and Wales is £25 billion per year; and calls on the Government to increase funding for organisations working to support victims of domestic violence, including specific provisions for children staying in refuges with their mothers, to increase awareness-raising work in schools and medical centres and to address the variation in quality of service provision across the country.

Signatures by party: Labour 45, Liberal Democrat 18, DUP 4, Independent 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Conservative 1, UUP 1.