Victoria Atkins, Member of Parliament for Louth and Horncastle and Minister for Women, has marked International Women's Day 2019 with a visit to the West London Rape Crisis Centre.
Known as the Women and Girls Network, the centre has provided specialist support to victims of gendered violence in London for almost 30 years. All services are completely free and the centre is women-only, providing a holistic approach to women and girls who have experienced, or at risk of, gendered violence. This could include, childhood sexual abuse, domestic abuse, trafficking, Female Genital Mutilation or forced marriage to name a few.
In the days preceding the visit, Victoria announced that the Government had published a refreshed strategy for ending violence against women and girls.
Commenting, Victoria said, "The strategy will protect women and girls from all forms of violence. This is an important step in our fight for a more gender balanced world, and it is something for which women, girls, men and boys should all strive."
Women & girls affected by gender-based abuse can get free confidential advice & support by calling the Advice Line: 0808 801 0660.