The candidates for Mayor of London have outlined their policies on gender violence to End Violence Against Women (EVAW). But they say Boris Johnson is out of line with national party policy. Press release follows.

Press release

Boris Johnson promises an expansion of Rape Crisis Centres from one to five but the Conservative candidate fails to support a London-wide strategy which would bring together policies on domestic and sexual violence, trafficking, forced marriage and other forms of violence against women.

This is out of line with national Conservative Party policy as David Cameron has made repeated statements about the need for a national Violence Against Women Strategy. This has been welcomed by women’s groups.

Brian Paddick promises to develop a London-wide strategy to end all forms of violence against women if elected, and will set up a Taskforce with representatives from the voluntary sector.

Ken Livingstone promises to continue policies on individual forms of violence against women, to improve conviction rates for rape and to discourage the growth of prostitution and trafficking of women and girls.

EVAW Chair, Professor Liz Kelly, said: “London should be leading the way in tackling violence against women and yet women in London are particularly under-served for vital support services such as Rape Crisis Centres.”

“The next Mayor for London must work with the women’s sector to develop a London-wide Violence Against Women Strategy that would ensure adequate support for victims, improve prosecution of perpetrators and take serious action to prevent violence happening in the first place.”

End Violence Against Women says there is good work in London on some forms of violence against women, but it is often focused on the criminal justice system, for example Specialist Domestic Violence Courts and Sexual Assault Referral Centres, even though the majority of victims do not report to the police. In fact there is a funding crisis facing specialised support services meaning that many victims do not receive the support they need.

· There is just one Rape Crisis Centre in the whole of Greater London

· London is under-served for prostitution services.

· The conviction rate in London for reported rape is less than 6%.

· 85& of victims of forced marriage are female.

A London-wide strategy would include:

* Effective planning across the board.
* A coherent and integrated approach to preventing violence.
* Devising and delivering effective protection.
* Full access to, and provision of, support and rehabilitation.
* Effective mechanisms for prosecution.
* Adequate resourcing.