HC Deb 10 May 1999 vol 331 c44W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what initiatives Her Majesty's Government are taking on public education to prevent violence against women. [83563]

Kate Hoey

The largest single type of violence against women is domestic violence. We have, therefore, initiated a domestic violence publicity and awareness campaign to make clear the impact of violence against women, including how it so often leads to murder; to challenge misconceptions, such as believing that violence within relationships is somehow not a crime, or that the victim is to blame in some way; and to show what we can all do to reduce domestic violence and its impact, including on children who witness the violence.

The Government launched "Break the Chain" in January, with a leaflet for survivors and those who might be in a position to help them, and an associated poster. This will be followed soon by guidance for agencies which deal with the victims of domestic violence.