Submitted by: NCW South West Midland Region

Aware of the growing difficulties of vulnerable people in the United Kingdom and of the efforts of Government to solve these, the National Council of Women requests HM Government to improve the present situation by initiating legislation along the following lines:

(a) the establishment and development of partnerships such as the system pioneered by Birmingham City Council, which involves a Civil Justice system alongside the established Criminal Justice system whereby City Councils may prosecute perpetrators;

(b) the establishment of refuge accommodation for trafficked women, providing interpreters, health services and long term help on-site, and employment for more women in these services;

(c) the provision of funding to provide qualitative research into elder abuse problems.