Member News
Harriet Harman has pledged to do more to protect women from domestic violence.
The minister for women on Tuesday published a report assessing the government's policies, including a 'domestic homicide map' showing the number of women killed by their partners in England and Wales.
The report charts progress on government priorities to support women carers, increase the representation of black, Asian and minority ethnic women in public life and change the way female offenders are treated.
"We can and will make progress in tackling the dreadful toll of domestic violence," Harman said.
She pointed to £255m of funding to support carers, measures to extend flexible working to parents of children up to the age of 16 and a £1m emergency fund for rape crisis centres.
Other government measures in the past year include moves to crack down on human trafficking, a review into how to reduce prostitution and steps to improve the treatment of women offenders.
Harman said that the government "is, and always has been, the champion of equality and fairness for women".
"This report shows that we have done a great deal to support families, tackle violence against women, and promote equal representation since I announced last July that these are the government’s priorities for women," she said.
"But progress has not been without a struggle. We must, and will, go further. Last month I outlined details of a strong new Equality Bill, because we are not satisfied and we must do more."
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd