11Jun 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Community approach can benefit survivors in Oldham

Community approach can benefit survivors in Oldham

Borough news, CSE, domestic abuse and violence
After the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (IICSA) produced its latest report, local Liberal Democrat Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani has called on the Council to put its recommendations – and lessons from around the country – into practice in Oldham. One example is the Quetzal Project in Leicester, which provides free counselling for women recovering from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse. They have been running an outreach project to allow women in isolated communities to access counselling, particularly from South Asian backgrounds. Sam said: “What the Quetzal Project has done really well is reach out to people and communities, not wait for people to come to them. They found the right people in the community, that survivors would trust, and gave them the help they needed to ensure that…
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22Apr 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Government defeated as Peers vote to protect migrant survivors

Government defeated as Peers vote to protect migrant survivors

Parliamentary news
Liberal Democrat peers have helped to defeat the Government a further two times, voting to include crucial protections for migrant survivors of domestic abuse. The House of Lords passed two cross-party amendments to the Domestic Abuse Bill that would end the sharing of survivors’ personal data with the Home Office for immigration control purposes. The amendments would also give survivors access to public funds. The Liberal Democrats voted for both amendments, while the Government voted against. The Bill will now return to the Commons for ping-pong on Monday 26th April. Following the votes, Brian Paddick, Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson on Home Affairs, said: “All survivors of domestic abuse should have the same support and protections, regardless of their immigration status. No one should be trapped in a violent or abusive…
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19Oct 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Government inaction failing survivors of sexual violence

Government inaction failing survivors of sexual violence

Parliamentary news
Responding to the Victims Commissioner’s report on rape survivors and the criminal justice system, Liberal Democrat Justice Spokesperson Wera Hobhouse said: “Survivors deserve justice. They must be properly supported to come forward and be listened to when they do. “However, as this report shows, far too many survivors are put off reporting the crime for fear of being disbelieved, and far too many who do come forward find the whole process traumatic. Government inaction is failing survivors of sexual violence and allowing too many criminals to walk free. “It is incomprehensible that the Government’s review of rape cases is doing so little to engage with survivors – especially given the clear evidence that the system simply isn’t working for them. “Ministers must listen to survivors, complete the review as soon…
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08Jun 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Lib Dems push to strengthen support for survivors in Domestic Abuse Bill

Parliamentary news
The Liberal Democrats have tabled amendments to the Domestic Abuse Bill to "strengthen protection and support" for survivors of abuse.Christine Jardine, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson, has tabled a series of amendments at Committee Stage to ensure the "strongest possible" support for survivors. The measures include:  Create Local Welfare Provision schemes to provide a "financial lifeline" to anyone trapped in a violent home because they cannot afford to leave;Provide guidance to prevent economic abuse through withholding of child maintenance funds or similar actions;  Ensure the option of special measures - such as appearance via video-link - for people giving evidence about domestic abuse in family courts, not just criminal courts;Provide guidance on safeguarding young people from abuse in the context of teenage relationships. The Liberal Democrats will also be supporting amendments on a range of other issues, including ensuring that survivors receive…
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