Equality body calls for ‘higher conviction rates’ for violent crimes against females

In its new report, Pressing for progress: women’s rights and gender equality in 2018, which is being presented to the United Nations in Geneva today, the EHRC says more action is needed to better protect women and girls from violence.

The report sets out a number of concerns and recommendations including better support for victims of domestic violence, higher prosecution and conviction rates for violent crimes against women and girls, and a review of hate crime legislation.

The report also emphasises the importance of ensuring that there is no regression in equality and human rights protections as a result of the changes introduced because of Brexit, and that the UK  does not lag behind future developments in equality and human rights. It also highlights that funding for women’s services may decrease as a result.

Rebecca Hilsenrath, chief executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: “There is a lot to celebrate in terms of the awareness and realisation of women’s rights right now: it’s been 100 years since some women got the vote, forced marriage has been criminalised, and we’ve seen great strides in the workplace through shared parental leave and the successful introduction of gender pay gap regulations.

“Yet it is estimated that only 15 per cent of survivors of sexual violence report their experience to the police, and social movements such as #MeToo continue to shine a spotlight on areas where women are being failed. The priority must now be ensuring that women and girls of all ages can enjoy their basic right to feel safe in their everyday lives. Our recommendations are intended to improve the lives of women and girls and to protect their fundamental rights. This centenary year is a good time to take action.”