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Ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Apsana Begum, MP for Poplar and Limehouse, lead a Westminster Hall Debate on domestic abuse and public life.
She said:
“Domestic abuse can affect people from all social classes and in all forms of employment, including those in public life.
“That is why I am working with MPs from all parties to call for a duty of care to be placed on employers and political parties to ensure that survivors of domestic abuse are not exposed to further harassment. This must recognise that post-separation control and harassment is a form of domestic abuse itself and can occur long after a relationship or marriage has ended, with different tactics of abuse used.
“…I am still in a situation where I have to risk assess local events – and am unable to participate if the risk is too high or can’t be mitigated.
“I believe that there must be a duty to ensure inclusive, democratic, and safe environments and it saddens me deeply to continue to be placed in a position where due to safeguarding reasons I am being prevented from being able to participate fully in public life.
“… My experiences are far from unique. I have been contacted by women and survivors from all over the UK and I feel a tremendous duty to them.
“For too long, domestic abuse has been hidden, despite having serious health consequences for individuals and our society.
“We need to raise awareness to create a society where individuals experiencing domestic abuse feel confident that they will be believed, listened to, and treated supportively.
“Because, ultimately, I want the UK to be a country where survivors of not thwarted by ongoing harassment and abuse.”
