Issue - meetings

Councillor Atkinson to move:

On 1^st November the UK’s ratification of the Istanbul convention to prevent and combat violence against women and girls and domestic violence finally came into force

However, the Government has reserved article 59 of the treaty opting out of protecting migrant women. By quietly reserving article 59 of the treaty, the Government is still failing some of the most vulnerable women living in Devon: migrant women.

The Government’s National Statement of Expectations on Domestic Violence sets out what local areas like Devon need to put in place to ensure their response to Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) issues is as collaborative, robust and effective as it can be so that all victims and survivors can get the help they need. The Home Office expects to see local strategies and services that, amongst other things, put the victim at the centre of service delivery.

This Council believes:

·         The Devon County Council and UK Government not being obliged to provide VAWG support and protection to migrant women effectively reinforces the two-tier system of support for victims, as some remain discriminated against because of their migration status.

·         The Government must immediately remove the reservation to this article and provide equal protection for every woman in need, irrespective of migration status. 

·         All women, regardless of where they come from, deserve protection against violence. 

·         That DCC resolves to make available to migrant women in Devon services and support that it provides for other women.

In accordance with Standing Order 6(6) the Notice of Motion was referred, without discussion, to the Cabinet for consideration.

Councillor Barnes MOVED and Councillor Asvachin SECONDED the Notice of Motion in the name of Councillor Atkinson.

On 1^st November the UK’s ratification of the Istanbul convention to prevent and combat violence against women and girls and domestic violence finally came into force.

However, the Government has reserved article 59 of the treaty opting out of protecting migrant women. By quietly reserving article 59 of the treaty, the Government is still failing some of the most vulnerable women living in Devon: migrant women.

The Government’s National Statement of Expectations on Domestic Violence sets out what local areas like Devon need to put in place to ensure their response to Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) issues is as collaborative, robust and effective as it can be so that all victims and survivors can get the help they need. The Home Office expects to see local strategies and services that, amongst other things, put the victim at the centre of service delivery.

This Council believes:

·         The Devon County Council and UK Government not being obliged to provide VAWG support and protection to migrant women effectively reinforces the two-tier system of support for victims, as some remain discriminated against because of their migration status.

·         The Government must immediately remove the reservation to this article and provide equal protection for every woman in need, irrespective of migration status. 

·         All women, regardless of where they come from, deserve protection against violence. 

·         That DCC resolves to make available to migrant women in Devon services and support that it provides for other women.

In accordance with Standing Order 6(6) the Notice of Motion was referred, without discussion, to the Cabinet for consideration.