This week brought the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Survivors, campaigners and activists came to London for a major global conference on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict conference.
I joined MPs and members of the House of Lords for an extraordinarily moving speech but Oleyna Zelenzka, the first lady of Ukraine. She told us that children as young as four years old have been raped by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. The oldest reported victim was 85 years old.
We know that and estimated 20-30% of women and girls have experienced non-partner sexual violence in conflict related settings. In so many countries across the world, rape is systemically being used as a weapon of war. It is vital to end the impunity that means perpetrators believe they can get away with these crimes.
During the conference the Nobel Laurate, Dr Dennis Mukwege, came to parliament to speak to MPs and Lord. He reminded us that we must not sacrifice justice on the altar of peace – because without justice the peace will not be lasting. I hope the conference makes a lasting difference on enabling survivors to get justice.
I also spoke in a debate about violence against women and girls. In Chelmsford the huge £550,000 grant that we received from the Government’s Safer Streets Fund has made a big difference, providing lighting and CCTV along the Bunny Walks as well as many other projects. However, there is more to do. I met the new District Commander for Chelmsford and Maldon Police, Paul Ballard. He is determined to work with partners across Chelmsford to reduce violence against women and girls.
The Online Safety Bill is due to come back to Parliament next week, putting safety of children at its heart. I am concerned to hear so many stories of girls suffering from self-harm, including eating disorders, and the way this is glorified on social media. In the House of Commons, I raised this with the minister responsible for the Bill, as I would like to help make sure that it becomes illegal to share online content that promotes all forms of self-harm and that this is implemented quickly.
In the debate, I also pointed out that whilst rape is the cruellest of crimes, forcing the woman who has been raped to have no choice but to carry the child of her rapist can also bring immense suffering. All too often in conflict affected areas and humanitarian situations, a woman who has been raped has no choice as they have no access to health services. The UK is one of the few countries that help to fund access to contraception and women’s health services from our development budget. During my time as a foreign office minister, I visited many women’s health clinics and saw first-hand how they are supporting women who have suffered violence as well as those in loving relationships. I heard how having this choice is lifechanging for women and for their families and for their communities. Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights are being rowed back in many countries across the world, We will not tackle violence against women and girls unless we also make sure that we stand firm in defending women’s rights to health.
This week in Chelmsford, I attended the re-opening of the Family Hub, located beside Chelmsford Central Library. The Hub had been converted into a vaccination clinic during the pandemic and has now been refurbished. It provides a one stop shop of support services for mental and physical health plus educational and social care services for families of 0-19 year old children. You can find out more here https://essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/.
I also met up with volunteers from Chelmsford’s Citizens Advice team. A few years ago, I helped them to set up the Chelmsford Law Clinic which provides affordable legal advice. It was great to hear that the service is thriving and supporting many Chelmsford residents who would not otherwise be able to afford legal bills. https://referral.chelmsfordlawclinic.org.uk//.
Work coaches from the Job Centre also updated me on how they are helping more people to find more work which is so important given the difficult financial situation faced by many households due to the high inflation brought about by Russia’s war in Ukraine. I also met with volunteers from the Trussel Trust who have been collecting extra donations for the Foodbank over the Christmas period.
In Chelmsford Cathedral, I joined the congregation from all over Essex for the Royal Association for Deaf People’s Christmas Carol service. Children and young people from many Essex schools sung and signed a beautiful collection of Christmas carols and songs. Since becoming MP for Chelmsford five years ago this has been one of the highlights of the festive season. It was so good to see this Cathedral full again.
