Featherstone appointed International Violence Against Women Champion

A news release from the Liberal Democrats brings the news of a new appointment for Lynne Featherstone:

Liberal Democrat Home Office Minister Lynne Featherstone, was today appointed International Violence Against Women Champion. This role will see her lead British efforts to tackle violence against women overseas.

Commenting on her appointment, Lynne Featherstone said:

“Today marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and I am delighted to have been asked by the government to fulfil the role of championing this cause around the world.

“Today, women around the world are still subject to rape, domestic violence and abuse, the scale and true nature of which can often remain hidden.  Britain has a duty to use its influence across the globe to shine a light on this issue and I am proud to take on responsibility for doing so.

“Among women between the ages of 15 and 44, acts of violence cause more death and disability than cancer, malaria, traffic accidents and war combined. It is truly one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the world today.

“We must bring this issue out in the open through increasing awareness, furthering work on prevention and helping the women who have been subjected to violence pick up their lives again.  Only then can we put a stop to the cycle of violence against women once and for all.”