Labour has appointed its first ever shadow minister for prevention of violence against women and girls (VAWG). Seema Malhotra MP will work with shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper to tackle issues such as human trafficking, sexual violence, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and prostitution.
This is in line with Labour’s commitment to protect women and girls who are too often victimised and persecuted through various criminal acts. The three Labour Police and Crime Commissioners of the North East have developed a regional strategy to tackle this abuse.
Commenting on the issue, Durham PCC Ron Hogg said: “Alongside my colleagues in the North East, I have made violence against women and girls a priority for my police force. Labour has taken a strong lead on this issue and we look forward to having further support and direction in the form of Seema Malhotra.
For too long, women and girls of the UK and the rest of the world have suffered violence and injustice. We must work together in our efforts to end this suffering.”
We look forward to working with her and it is clear that some of the changes the three regional PCCs have brought in through our strategy are likely to be taken on at a national level.”
