Sylvia Heal

Labour Party | Halesowen and Rowley Regis

Sylvia supports white ribbon campaign

Sylvia Heal MP today backed the white ribbon campaign – 16 days of action aimed at stopping violence against women.

One in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime and even though only half of all incidents are reported to the Police they still receive one domestic violence call every minute in the UK.

A lot of progress has been made in stopping domestic violence. The introduction of new powers in 2004 has helped strengthen victims’ cases when they come to court. There has been an increase in successful prosecutions up from 46% in 2003 to 66% in 2006. But more needs to be done, as some men still see violence against women as an accepted part of life. 

Sylvia Heal MP said "Domestic abuse still goes on behind too many front doors, it’s a crime which destroys families, terrifies children and leaves its victims frightened and vulnerable. I hope that the white ribbon campaign will help raise awareness and put an end to violence against women.”

Anyone can contact the Sandwell 24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline on 0845 359 7525 or the Domestic Violence Unit for Halesowen and Stourbridge on 0121 626 9209.