2 women every week are killed by a current or former partner. 1 in every 3 women will experience domestic abuse in their life. These are just some of the awful statistics around domestic abuse – and, in Norfolk, we have seen a 40% increase in domestic violence since the start of the pandemic.

That’s why, as a vocal supporter of the excellent Daisy Programme (a wonderful group that supports men, women and children across Breckland), I convened a virtual roundtable with the Lord-Lieutenant, High Sheriff, Police and Crime Commissioner and a number of Norfolk domestic abuse charities and support groups earlier this month.

Together, we aim to work towards tackling the culture of domestic abuse in this county and, as part of our efforts moving forward, we have written a joint letter to the Lord Chancellor/Secretary of State for Justice, the Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP, and the Attorney General, the Rt Hon Suella Braverman QC MP, to highlight a number of challenges that are being encountered within the Crown Prosecution System and the Courts by many domestic abuse victims and their families. We have also stressed the importance of firm and consistent sentencing.

There is much work to do, but we are committed to doing what we can to help families in our region, and beyond. The next meeting of our Taskforce is being scheduled for early 2022.

To learn more about the Daisy Programme, please visit their website here