COMMENT RUTH DAVISON

IT’S been a difficult week to be a woman. Every day seemingly brought a new revelation of sexism.

Vile misogyny which runs unchecked through society is also running through the corridors of power, unchallenged.

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition’s presence in Parliament was reduced to misogynistic tropes about her work attire. Equally troubling was the assertion she was somehow to blame for the reaction of politicians from across the House.

As the chief executive of Refuge, the country’s largest single provider of specialist domestic abuse services, I know only too well how pervasive and damaging these narratives are, and the real impact they can have on women.

This abhorrent stereotype, that women are to blame for male behaviour plays out across society.

If the Government perpetuates these narratives, how can we trust them to tackle violence against women and girls?

We must ask why we are not teaching men and boys how to help keep women and girls safe. Also this week we had allegations from two women, that a disgraceful male MP was watching pornography in the House of Commons.

This takes place the same week an MP has been allowed to complete his resignation with pay, after being found guilty of child sexual assault. What message does this send to victims?

We ask the Government to ensure The Victims Bill provides protections for women and girls and that the Online Safety Bill addresses women’s safety online.

Right now, the Government is allowing this sexist culture to go unchecked, instead they should be listening and making urgent change to address and eradicate misogyny. ●●Abuse helpline: 0808 2000 247 and www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk