OUR local elections are held today (Thursday) and this is our one chance in four years to hold our elected representatives to account.

We know that violence affects thousands of women and girls all over the UK, in every ward where elections will take place

A new YouGov poll shows that the majority of people believe local councils should fund specialist services for women who have been raped or suffered domestic violence. When asked, 67% believed the council should fund Rape Crisis centres and 70% believe councils should fund refuges.

More than 80% of people believe these services should be of a high quality – run by women, and run by people with knowledge and experience of the needs of abuse victims.

Our local elected leaders make the real coalface decisions about the services that affect all of our daily lives. This is a great responsibility.

We hope that those standing for election today will be mindful of this clear demonstration of support for quality community-based services for women subjected to abuse, and act upon it when in office.

Fee Scott

Service Manager

Devon Rape Crisis Service