WI welcomes support for rural women affected by violence

The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) today welcomed the commitment to tackle violence against women in rural areas, as part of the government’s first integrated strategy on all forms of violence against women.

It follows warnings by the NFWI that violence against women is as common in the countryside as towns and cities, but people continue to perceive it as a problem for urban areas.

NFWI Chair Ruth Bond called on all local councils in rural areas to commit to secure funding for specialist services to ensure all women can access justice and support:

“We welcome the strategy, which smashes the myth that women in rural areas do not suffer violence to the same extent. And we are pleased that it recognises that there are differences in the way rural and urban women access services. 

“The key test will be whether this strategy can tackle the postcode lottery, which we know disproportionately affects women living in rural areas.

“We want a real commitment from rural councils to champion outreach and community-based services, which are more accessible to women in remote areas.”