Violence Against Women and Girls

Sakina Sheikh AM moved, and Anne Clarke AM seconded the following Motion:

“The Assembly notes the theme for International Women’s Day 2023 which we recently marked, is embracing equity. We note that it also marks a call to action to tackle the epidemic of violence against women and girls (VAWG).
 
The Assembly recognises that violence against women and girls is a scourge on our society. A UN study published in November last year starkly demonstrated this when it showed that “more than five women or girls were killed every hour by someone in their own family in 2021”. We cannot address VAWG without taking a whole society approach. This means a preventative public health response alongside a robust policing and institutional response. The Assembly commends the Mayor for the preventive approach London has taken in tackling VAWG as seen in the ‘Have a Word’ campaign and our attempt to tackle misogyny before it turns into violence.
 
The Assembly notes that the campaign for a Domestic Abuse register began in the Assembly in 2017 following a report, and a cross-party motion calling on the Mayor to write to the Home Secretary asking her to introduce a register for those convicted of a domestic abuse related offence, equivalent to that used for sexual offender. The Assembly notes that it also passed a motion in 2021 on making misogyny a hate crime. We resolve to restate our strong support for both.
 
The Assembly therefore calls on the Mayor to similarly strengthen our institutional response to VAWG and to write to the Home Secretary to call for a Domestic Abusers register and to make misogyny a hate crime. While we understand these legislative changes are not the whole solution, we believe they are important tools in helping addresses VAWG and hopefully to eradicate the terrible violence that women in our city and country face.”

Following debate and upon being put to a vote, the motion was agreed unanimously.