Justin Hosts Parliamentary Launch Of Football United Against Domestic Violence

Justin Tomlinson MP and Home Office Minister, Norman Baker MP, have called on football fans to get behind the Football United Against Domestic Violence campaign launched Women's Aid and the football authorities in Parliament.

Whilst nationally the level of crime is falling, the impact of domestic violence against remains a major issue. In Swindon there was 2459 cases reported to Wiltshire Police between April 2012 and March in 2013, yet it is estimated only 20% of cases were actually reported. Victims are simply afraid to seek help. Sadly, in society domestic abuse is all too often "out of sight, out of mind" and while this continues the issue will never truly be tackled.

The campaign has already secured the support of the Premier League, BT Sport, The FA, Women's Aid Ambassadors Charlie Webster (Charlie's Big Challenge) & Swindon's Jahmene Douglas and a large number of cross-party MPs.

Justin Tomlinson MP: "I was honoured to host in Parliament the launch of the 'Football United Against Domestic Violence' a new campaign by Women's Aid, utilising the powerful medium of football to tackle domestic abuse Rightly the issues has raised up the political agenda and there is a determination from the Home Secretary, the Police and cross-party MPs to take serious action. The Football United campaign can help play a part by raising the issue further and mean that victims will know that there is help available and action will be taken."

More information on the campaign and the work of Women's Aid can be found here