Ann Keen Backs Amnesty Campaign

MP marks International Women's Day with plea on Domestic Violence

Two women are killed every week in Britain due to family violence and on March 8th, International Women's Day, Ann Keen MP called on all local groups to work together and support Amnesty International's campaign to tackle this abuse of human rights.

Unveiling its worldwide Stop Violence Against Women Campaign , Amnesty International called for urgent action by every man and woman to end this problem.   One in three women in the world have been beaten or coerced into sex in her lifetime and in Britain one in four women experience violence at the hands of her male partner.

Local MP Ann Keen said, �Refuge opened the world's first safe house for women and children experiencing domestic violence in Chiswick, London in 1971 and I was pleased to be part of that campaign.   We have come along way since the 1970's and I am proud to be working in Parliament on the first ever Domestic Violence Bill that will go a long way in supporting women facing violence.

"However, there is much still to do and Amnesty International must be applauded for their campaign which highlights the unacceptable and frightening abuse women face on a daily basis across the world.   I urge the local community to add their support and end this cancer that eats away at the core of our society. �

March 10, 2004