Latest news with #ViolenceAgainstWomenandGirls
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Legal experts spotlight concerns around proposed ban on workplace NDAs
Changes to the Employment Rights Bill meant to prevent misuse of workplace NDAs are drawing mixed reviews. While the ban is designed to give voice to victims, some lawyers say it may cause harm Announced on July 8, 2025, the UK government's plan to ban non-disclosure agreements in cases of harassment and discrimination has been met with backlash from some legal experts. According to some lawyers, the amendments to the Employment Rights Bill may deprive victims of workplace misconduct from necessary protections, while others argue changes are necessary to give voice to victims. Laura Bolam, from the charity Rights of Women, told The Mirror they welcome the ban on NDAs that have long been used to silence survivors. Rights of Women offers free confidential legal advice and information to UK women with a specific focus on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Bolam says the ban "marks a significant step towards transparency and accountability" but that the charity acknowledges why some survivors may rely on confidentiality. She said: "We recognise that some women may still seek confidentiality as part of a resolution, for their own safety, wellbeing, or peace of mind. "It is vital that any reform centres survivors' agency, ensuring confidentiality is never imposed, but remains a meaningful choice," says Bolam. Karen Jackson from Didlaw, the specialist employment and discrimination law firm, argues that there is "high risk" the ban will "deprive" victims of a practical and safe forms of resolution. Jackson, founder of Didlaw, says the proposal to ban confidentiality clauses may have unintended consequences and that she "would not in good conscience advise anyone to pursue litigation if a resolution can be found." In a statement to The Mirror, she says most victims choose settlement 'which gives certainty, closure and financial security for a period' and that pursuing litigation can have a harmful impact on victims' health, which should be taken into consideration. She also says NDAs as they operate now do not preclude victims from reporting the matter to the police or a regulator. 'There is a high risk that the removal of NDAs will deprive victims of a method of resolving an issue because in real life this is what employers pay settlements to achieve." Jackson warns that the new amendments do not signal a victory, especially not for low wage earners. 'I fear this is throwing out the baby with the bathwater and I do not understand the jubilation among women campaigners about this,' Jackson says. 'I do not see it as a victory and for low earners or those on income support the ban could deprive them of any solution." Elizabeth McGlone, a managing partner at Didlaw, shared similar sentiments. She said: 'Many victims of workplace misconduct want protection in respect of confidentiality and reassurance that they will not be bad-mouthed or talked about. "Having acted for many women that have suffered serious sexual harassment in the workplace, NDAs have actually been a shield and a method of protection. They can bring closure to what has been a traumatic period in their life that they want to put behind them,' she added. For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. The UK government confirmed on July 8 that it will amend the Employment Rights Bill to prevent the use of non-disclosure agreements to 'silence' victims of workplace harassment and abuse. A clause will be added to the bill, which returns to the House of Lords on July 14, that will mean confidentiality clauses in settlement agreements or other agreements that seek to prevent a worker speaking about an allegation of harassment or discrimination will be null and void. The ban has been widely praised by government officials and the public alike calling it a massive step forward. Deputy PM Angela Rayer said the call to end the misuse of NDAs came from victims of harassment and discrimination directly, who will no longer have to 'suffer in silence'. The campaign group Can't Buy My Silence, spearheaded by Zelda Perkins, former PA to Harvey Weinstein, has led the charge in calling for this change, alongside MPs such as Louise Haigh and Sarah Russell. Perkins shared that the amendment is a 'huge milestone' and that it shows the government has finally "understood the abuse of power taking place'. She also says it's a victory for those who broke their NDAs and 'risked everything' to speak the truth. 'This is not over yet and we will continue to focus closely on this to ensure the regulations are watertight and no one can be forced into silence again. If what is promised at this stage becomes reality, then the UK will be leading the world in protecting not only workers but the integrity of the law,' says Perkins. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
New York Post
22-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
UK bans ‘dangerous' porn category depicting this violent act: ‘Real life consequences for women'
The UK has banned pornography that depicts a violent act in a bid to stop the growing epidemic of violence against women and girls. The government announced it will criminalize pornography that depicts acts of strangulation. This comes after the Independent Porn Review, which was conducted by Baroness Gabby Bertin. Advertisement The review found that pornography has effectively made strangulation a 'sexual norm' and a 'safe' act to engage in. The amendment will be made to the Crime and Policing Bill. Alex Davies-Jones, Minister for Victims and tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, said: 'Depicting strangulation during sex is not only dangerous, but also degrading, with real life consequences for women. The UK is criminalizing pornography that features acts of strangulation. fizkes – Advertisement 'Cracking down on the appalling rise of strangulation pornography will protect women and send a clear signal to men and boys that misogyny will not be tolerated.' Meanwhile Andrea Simon, the director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW) said the organization welcomed the government's decision after EVAW's years of campaigning. 'There is no such thing as safe strangulation; women cannot consent to the long-term harm it can cause, including impaired cognitive functioning and memory. Its widespread portrayal in porn is fueling dangerous behaviors, particularly among young people,' she said. 'This is a vital step towards recognizing the role violent pornography plays in shaping attitudes to women and regulating an industry which promotes and profits from violence against women.'
Daily Record
25-05-2025
- Daily Record
POLICE COLUMN: Detective Chief Inspector Laura White
DCI White speaks out on early intervention to protect vulnerable people from harm which is part of the force's Violence Against Women and Girls strategy As the Detective Chief Inspector for Lothian and Scottish Borders Division, I want to use this week's column to discuss some of the current workstreams we are involved in to safeguard communities against various types of public protection-related offences. Prevention and early intervention to protect vulnerable people from harm is at the root of what we aim to achieve and as part of our Violence Against Women and Girls strategy, we are working alongside colleagues within Education to provide information on a range of issues to pupils at schools throughout the Division. We recognise the importance of educating children and young people on healthy relationships, consent, and online safety to prevent the development of harmful attitudes and behaviours. In the coming weeks, we will be looking to develop our work with P7 leavers and our young people starting high school to support the inputs they receive in class time in terms of relationships, sexual health, and parenthood. To support these messages, School Link Officers will look to deliver additional inputs either in school setting or as part of the Risk Factory Centre trips, to reinforce healthy relationships and boundaries, understanding of consent, the various guises of domestic abuse and where our young people can go in terms of sign posting if they require help and support. Last month, some of our Detectives and Response officers attended a continuous development training event during National Stalking Awareness Week. This was designed to strengthen officer confidence and capability in identifying, investigating, and responding to stalking reports. Stalking can have serious and lasting effects on victims. It affects a person's quality of life, ability to live freely and in some cases can lead to significant harm or even death. Stalking behaviours can be subtle, manipulative, and disguised by perpetrators as legitimate or incidental actions on their part. Our officers heard case studies exploring patterns, behaviours, observing the real-life toll on victims from perpetrators as well as hearing from real life Police investigations which allowed us to share good practice and learning opportunities. It is essential that our officers are equipped to understand their responsibilities in respect of stalking, how to recognise the signs and maximise investigative opportunities in order to provide the best service we can to those impacted. If you are worried that you are a victim of stalking or concerned about someone you know who is experiencing this. I would encourage you to call Police or contact National Stalking Helpline on 0808 8020 300 to seek advice and support. Within Lothians and Scottish Borders Division, we benefit from positive working relationships with our partners across Health and support services and regularly receive third party reporting from survivors of sexual abuse who, for valid reasons, were not ready, or did not wish to contact Police at the time of an offence. If you have been the victim of a sexual offence, it's understandable that you may not know what to do or where to turn. NHS Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS) is a dedicated NHS service which can offer healthcare and support in the days after an assault, if you are not ready to tell the Police or are unsure. If you have been the victim of a sexual assault within the last seven days and do not want to tell the Police or are unsure about telling them now - you can self-refer to a SARCS. This means you don't need a GP or other healthcare professional to refer you to a SARCS - you can do this yourself.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office Announces Alison Davidian As New Representative
Press Release – UN Women Ms. Alison Davidian previously served as UN Womens Special Representative in Afghanistan and has held roles supporting global and regional policy and programming in peace and security, access to justice, and preventing violence and extremism. Suva, Fiji UN Women has appointed Ms. Alison Davidian as the new Representative for its Fiji Multi-Country Office (MCO), which supports 14 Pacific Island countries in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment. Ms. Davidian brings extensive experience in international development, with a focus on gender equality, good governance and peacebuilding. She previously served as UN Women's Special Representative in Afghanistan and has held roles supporting global and regional policy and programming in peace and security, access to justice, and preventing violence and extremism. Her career also includes positions with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Center for Transitional Justice and legal advocacy roles in Australia. She holds degrees in Government and Law from the University of Sydney, and a Master of Laws from Harvard University. 'It is an honour to join the UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office and work alongside partners across the Pacific to advance gender equality and women's empowerment. I look forward to listening and learning from the diverse voices andexperiences across the region and building on the important work already underway to support the rights, leadership, and resilience of women and girls. Together with partners, we will work towards a more just, inclusive, and equal Pacific for all,' said Ms. Davidian. About UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office (MCO): UN Women is the global champion for gender equality, working to develop and uphold standards and create an environment in which every woman and girl can exercise her human rights and live up to her full potential. The UN Women Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Fiji, covers14 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs): Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Fiji MCO works to progress gender equality and women's empowerment in the Pacific through four key programmes: Women's Economic Empowerment; Ending Violence Against Women and Girls; Women's Political Empowerment and Leadership; and Gender and Protection in Humanitarian Action.
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Love Island star drops HUGE clue she's secretly engaged after going public with boyfriend
The star has all but confirmed that a wedding is looming WEDDING BELLS Love Island star drops HUGE clue she's secretly engaged after going public with boyfriend Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOVE Island fans have been sent into a spin after convincing themselves one star from the show is set to announce her engagement. Eagle-eyed fans have spotted that the villa alumni is wearing a ring on her wedding finger after recently going public with her boyfriend. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Sharon Gaffka has been spotted wearing a ring on her engagement finger Credit: instagram/@sharongaffka 5 It comes after she unveiled her relationship with fellow activist Matthew Torbitt Credit: TikTok Sharon Gaffka only unveiled her romance with Matthew Torbitt in March, having previously kept quiet about her private life since her Love Island days. But now, alongside a series of telling new photos, the 29-year-old is already talking about having a baby with her fella. Sharon now works as a VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) activist and is an ambassador for domestic violence charity Refuge. Matthew, meanwhile, is a Homelessness & Prison Reform Advocate. Together, they have addressed the Oxford Union after being invited there to tell Oxford University students about their work. Sharon has since shared several black and white photos that were taken backstage at the talk, which show her in a stunning long-sleeved dress and Matthew in a tux. But after the law graduate posted the pictures on Instagram, fans couldn't help but spot the ring on Sharon's left hand. Sharon told her followers: "I can't wait to tell our future child that mum and dad were once guest speakers at the union they'll one day be members of 👀." Replying, one follower wrote: "It's giving engagement announcement pics tbh." Much to everyone's delight, Sharon and Matthew both confirmed that an engagement is very much on the cards. "It's coming," Sharon replied. Matthew added: "Trust me, it's coming." Sharon even went one stage further in response to a follower who had written: "This is so gorgeous. I'm seeing the not too distant future here." The former reality star replied: "Everyone get ready for the wedding content 😂." Sharon Gaffka's love life What we know about Sharon's private life since she left Love Island... Sharon appeared on Love Island in 2021 because she had grown tired of "being the only single one" in her group of friends. The former beauty queen and law graduate said she was on the look out for someone intelligent. Sharon was paired with Hugo Hammond on the show but later accused him of 'touching her inappropriately' outside of the villa. Hugo flatly denied her allegations. Although it appeared Sharon was heterosexual, she also accused Love Island bosses of editing out a bisexual confession. Sharon went off the radar in terms of her private life following her villa stint. But in 2023, she made a rare admission about her love life – revealing she had enjoyed a celebrity romance. Sharon confessed: "I have only ever dated one person in the public eye in the past two years, it lasted for the best part of five minutes, so it's no even known about outside my inner circle. "I'd want a relationship that was known of, not known about." In the same year, Sharon also opened up about suffering a tragic miscarriage. Sharon, who did not reveal who the baby's father was, cried as she told fans about her emotional and heartbreaking experience in a video. In March 2025, Sharon revealed she had found her happy-ever-after with fellow activist Matthew Torbitt. The pair declared their love for each other on Instagram alongside a series of photos taken during a trip to Spain. Sharon had hoped to find a boyfriend in the seventh series of Love Island in 2021. She was was briefly coupled up with Hugo Hammond during her time in the villa, but later accused him of "inappropriately touching" her - which he denied. She alleged her friendship with Hugo ended because of his behaviour following Love Island, however he described her claims as "completely false" on social media. Sharon has since remained tight-lipped about romantic liaisons but revealed two years ago that she had suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage. Opening up as she marked what would have been her baby's first birthday, the women's rights campaigner said: "Grief is not a linear process. "I'm tired of being told that time is healer and this truth is especially evident in the aftermath of miscarriage for those who never planned to have children. Feelings of loss, confusion, guilt, and even relief can surface unexpectedly, and these emotions are all valid." Sharon told her fans she wasn't sharing her story for sympathy, but as part of her healing process. 5 Sharon appeared in Love Island in 2021 Credit: PA 5 She was coupled up with Hugo Hammond but it did not end well Credit: Rex
