Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley has pledged to support an upcoming Private Member’s Bill (PMB) which would require the UK Government to legally commit to providing a better framework for addressing violence against women and girls, by making the Istanbul Convention law in the UK – if successful.

The legislation requires the UK to take measures to prevent violence against women, protect women experiencing violence, and prosecute perpetrators.

The Bill has cross party support and if it becomes law would see the UK take a proud commitment to ending gender based violence and taking the next steps in securing a safe future for women and girls.

Commenting, Angela said:

“Since my election, I have called for action from the UK Government when it comes to tackling violence against women and ensuring cooperation between the UK Government, local authorities and charities.

“Ratifying the Istanbul Convention will not only help to tackle, and hopefully one day eradicate, gender-based violence but it would also send a clear message that any form of violence against women will not be tolerated.

“Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and Women’s Aid have all called for the UK to ratify the pan-European convention on women’s and girls’ rights and yet we are still waiting for the UK government to ratify the Istanbul Convention.

“I want to end violence against women and girls in the UK, and I therefore support the Istanbul Convention becoming UK law. I urge other MPs to do the same.”

Jenn Selby, a campaigner and survivor says:

“When I think of all the brave women I’ve met on my way through the system, I wonder how many of them made it.

“The current legal framework did more to see our perpetrators walk free than to keep us alive. This convention would end this.”