IWD has to be about empowering women in the face of violence, says Bucks charity
Events celebrating International Women's Day are planned across the country today
On this International Women’s Day, Sue Burke, Chief Executive of MK ACT, a domestic abuse service in Milton Keynes, has highlighted the significance of the event as both a celebration and a reminder of the challenges that still persist.
"For us, International Women’s Day is about highlighting that issue about violence against women and girls in all its forms, including domestic abuse, but also giving survivors and victims the space so that they're able to talk about their experience and also to highlight the issue," Ms Burke said.
Throughout the week, MK ACT has been hosting various events to mark the occasion.
These included a panel discussion with colleagues from the Violence Against Women and Girls Alliance, which focused on the government’s commitment to halving violence against women and girls, with plans to follow up by preparing a briefing note for local MPs.
The organisation has also focused on the well-being of women in its refuge.
MK ACT has also taken the opportunity to recognise the dedication of its staff, celebrating the support given by and for women in the service.
While the week has provided an opportunity to celebrate and reflect, the realities of domestic abuse remain a pressing issue.
When asked about the government’s efforts to reduce violence against women and girls, Ms Burke acknowledged that while progress is being made, more needs to be done.
She said: "I think it's too early to say. I think it's really positive steps and we welcome everything that the government is putting forward.
"With the target of the government target around the reduction of 50%, it's very ambitious. I think we need to be that ambitious around it, but I think we're going to see an increase before we see a decrease because often victims come forward when they feel more confident.
"I think for me, I'd really like to see what the plan is for the next 10 years."
She also pointed to the need for a multi-faceted approach, highlighting the importance of addressing the issue through various sectors, including the criminal justice system, specialist services, the police, and local councils.
"So I think for us, it's just what the plan is, and as an organisation, we're happy to support anything that enables a reduction in violence around women and girls," she added.
The scale of domestic abuse remains a concern, with MK ACT seeing a steady rise in demand for its services.
In the last five years, the charity has seen a 48% increase in the number of people trying to access their service.
Currently, MK ACT supports, within Milton Keynes, just around 2,500 people a year.
Raising awareness remains a crucial part of the response, and MK ACT has been working in partnership with Milton Keynes City Council and the Domestic Abuse Partnership to encourage victims to seek help.