ALMOST HALF OF WI MEMBERS AFFECTED BY VIOLENCE
Almost half of WI members recently surveyed have experienced violence themselves or know someone who has experienced a form of violence in their lifetime according to research published today by the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI). A third of these cases were domestic violence and almost a quarter was rape or sexual assault.
The survey of WI members found that they feel there is a significant lack of support services for women experiencing violence, with almost a quarter saying that women in rural areas were particularly affected.
Fay Mansell Chair of NFWI said: “WI members come from all walks of life. This survey shows that violence can affect any woman and is not just confined to women in poverty or on the fringes of society. For too long, women have been suffering in silence, afraid or ashamed to seek help. We need to show them that they are not alone.”
The findings come as the WI holds a conference in London today (25 November) to raise awareness of violence against women and launch a new research project with Bristol University into violence against women in rural areas. Women living in rural and urban areas across England and Wales are invited to take part in the new research by visiting www.theWI.org.uk/campaigns.
Harriet Harman MP, Minister for Women and Equality, will address the conference and WI members will hear about how violence affects women globally.
The Minister will say that there are signs of serious progress, with the number of domestic violence incidents more than halving since 1997 and a significant increase in the number of convictions, but that there is still much more to be done.
Ms Harman is expected to say: "Fewer crimes and more convictions is the trend we want to see continue. But we have to continue to challenge reactionary attitudes – that domestic violence is a private matter between husband and wife and we shouldn't intervene, or that she has bought it on herself. Whatever happens in a relationship, domestic violence should never be excused."
The NFWI is part of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, which is calling for the UK government to develop and implement an integrated strategy on violence against women based on the foundations of gender equality and human rights.
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For further information or to request a media pass for the conference please contact Jennie Farrell at the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) Press Office on
T: 020 7371 9300
M: 07803 086 115
E : J.Farrell@nfwi.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
1. Based on a survey of 143 members, the WI found that:
- 46% of women surveyed have experienced or know someone who has experienced some form of violence.
- 33% of these women have experienced, or know someone who has experienced domestic violence, 10% sexual assault and 8% rape.
- 10% of women surveyed felt that the victim got the support they needed from the police. 6% felt that they got counselling support.
- 24% of women surveyed thought there was a particular problem getting support for women living in rural areas.
2. Event: NFWI Women’s Conference
Date: Tuesday 25 November
Time: 10:30 – 4pm
Venue: Mary Sumner House, 24 Tufton Street, Westminster, London
3. The WI is the largest voluntary women’s organisation in the UK with more than 205,000 members in 6,500 The NFWI plays a unique role in enabling women to develop new skills, giving them opportunities to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities, and provides wide-ranging activities for members to get involved in.
4. NFWI is a member of the End Violence Against Women coalition which is calling for governments at all levels to develop strategies to eradicate violence against women. Other members of the coalition include Amnesty International UK, Refuge, Rape Crisis England and Wales and the TUC. More information at www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk
5. For further information please visit www.theWI.org.uk http://www.thewi.org.uk/