"Excellent" Norfolk Says No campaign - Chloe Smith quizzes Minister on domestic abuse

Chloe Smith, Member of Parliament for Norwich North, has today commended the work of the local “Norfolk Says No” campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse and violence against women.

Speaking from the House of Commons chamber, Chloe raised the issue in a question to the Home Secretary:

“Britain is showing strong leadership internationally against warzone rape.  Domestically and locally, can I ask if she is also aware of the great work of all the organisations behind the “Norfolk Says No” campaign, which completed a week of activity last week?”

The Minister for Crime Prevention, Norman Baker responded by congratulating the “Norfolk Says No” campaign and stating that more examples of such excellent practice are needed across the country.

The Home Secretary also emphasised the work being done by the Government to clamp down on violence against women, including the re-release of the previously successful campaign to highlight abuse within relationships to young people. She also noted upcoming meetings with teaching unions and the Department of Education to discuss proposed changes to sex and relationship education in schools to ensure young people are aware of abusive behaviour.

In the last week, Chloe has also supported the Foreign Secretary, William Hague MP, as he reiterated Britain’s commitment to lead global action to stop the abhorrent practice of using rape as a weapon of war.

In Norwich, Chloe works closely with the White Ribbon Campaign, the Magdalene Project and Leeway Women’s Aid who are some of the driving forces behind the “Norfolk Says No” campaign.

Chloe Smith MP comments: 

"The “Norfolk Says No” campaign does serious work in Norfolk to help victims of domestic abuse and to deter the crime. We all take a stand with them against domestic abuse - it's not acceptable, it's not right, and with this campaign anyone suffering abuse should know they have supporters.

I believe the campaign actually spreads across the world. At a time when Britain is leading the battle against warzone rape, we can also fight sexual violence at home and I'm glad the Home Secretary recognises what has been achieved in Norfolk."