date: 14 November 2008
embargo: For immediate release
A woman's place... is in the union
The Northern TUC are holding a Reclaim the Night event, with a candlelit vigil and march in Durham town centre on the evening of 22nd November, in order to bring the issue of women's safety to the fore in the region. According to the British Crime Survey (2001) there are an estimated 47,000 rapes every year, around 40,000 attempted rapes and over 300,000 sexual assaults. Yet our conviction rate is the lowest it has ever been at only 5.3%.
However, it isn't just faceless crime that many women have to deal with but also the all too familiar spectre of domestic violence that impinges on every aspect of their lives, day or night. The current economic downturn and rising unemployment will both increase hardship suffered by families which in turn has a direct correlation to increased incidences of domestic violence.
Domestic violence accounts for between 16% and 25% of all recorded violent crime.
On average 2 women a week are killed by a male partner or former partner and make up a third of all female homicide victims.
1 in 4 women in the UK will experience domestic violence in their lifetime: over 34,000 women in Newcastle will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives.
Teesside has one of the worst rates of domestic violence in the North of England.
The estimated total cost of domestic violence to society in monetary terms is £23 billion per annum. This figure includes an estimated £3.1 billion as the cost to the state and £1.3 billion as the cost to employers.
Kevin Rowan, Northern TUC Regional Secretary said: 'Victims of domestic violence suffer at home and at work, so clearly this is a trade union issue. Campaigning on the issue of women's safety and domestic abuse is a key part of the trade unions' equalities agenda. It is imperative that the scope of the problem is highlighted and practical steps taken to raise awareness and offer support to any woman who needs it. A woman's place is most definitely in the union.'
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The Reclaim the Noght event will be held on Saturday 22nd November.
6-7pm: Candlelit vigil gathering at Durham Market Place, assemble at palace Green, march to Durham Market Place
7-10pm: Reception at Durham Town Hall
Speakers:
Roberta Blackman-Woods, MP for Durham
Vera Baird, MP for Redcar and Solicitor General
Clare Williams, Unison
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Contacts:
Media enquiries: Susanne Nichol T: 0191 227 5553; M: 07771 873108 E: snichol@tuc.org.uk
Press release (500 words) issued 14 Nov 2008
