Deptford MP backs campaign to end violence against women (From News Shopper)

Deptford MP Dame Joan Ruddock backs campaign to end violence against women

11:17am Tuesday 19th February 2013 in Lewisham By Ruby Guyatt

A DEPTFORD MP has backed an international campaign to end violence against women and girls.

Dame Joan Ruddock joined a Westminster gathering of supporters of One Billion Rising - the global campaign to end domestic abuse against women on February 14.

The Valentine’s Day flashmob coincided with similar events in 190 countries.

 It came as MPs called for a debate to make personal, social and health education compulsory in schools with a zero tolerance to abuse in relationships.

Dame Ruddock said: "I have campaigned to end violence against women all my political life.

"I cannot believe that the death toll remains so high. Last year 109 women died as a result of domestic violence.

"With one in three girls aged 13-17 in relationships saying they have experienced physical or sexual violence, the future looks grim."

To find out more about the campaign visit onebillionrising.org