There’s been a lot of chatter in the media over the Equality and Human Rights Commission‘s threat of legal action against over 100 councils for their failure to provide specialised services for women who have experienced violence – it does beg the question why the commission doesn’t include the remaining 300 odd; because with the exception of a few – most notably Glasgow – provision amongst these councils can best be described as woeful.

To support it’s research the Commission along with the End Violence Against Women campaign has launched Maps of Gaps, I urge you all to take a look and whilst there send your MP a message – it’s just not good enough.

Over 100 (one in four) local authorities in Britain have no specialised support services at all.

Nearly a quarter (24 percent) of rape crisis centres surveyed in England and Wales feared closure or cuts in services this financial year because of lack of funding. Almost two-fifths (39 percent) fear closure or service cuts in 2009/2010.

Provision is the best in Glasgow because women’s safety has been prioritised, while the best provision in England is in Bradford.

The worst provision is in the East of England and South East.

Ethnic minority women are especially poorly served: just one in ten local authorities have a specialised service that is uniquely suited to deal with women facing particular circumstances, such as forced marriage.

Local authorities and other public bodies are required by law to promote gender equality, and that duty requires them to take into account men and women’s different needs. Because violence against women is such a major cause of women’s inequality, public bodies should ensure adequate support for women in such circumstances. Source: Equality and Human Rights Commission.