A MOTION has been passed by Bolton Council to ensure more is done to tackle violence against women.

The motion was put forward by Independent Councillor for Crompton, Martin McMulkin, prompted by recent notable cases, such as Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa, who were both murdered, as well as other cases such as Helen Anderson and Maria Rawlings.

Cllr McMulkin spoke in favour of the motion, which will convene a women’s forum by March 2022 to formulate and implement a strategy to help make Bolton a safer place for women and girls.

The motion received the full support of all councillors and will be carried forward. Councillors also wore a white ribbons, in solidarity with White Ribbon, a global charity dedicated to ending violence on women and encourage society to stand up against it.

Cllr McMulkin said: “I want everybody here in this chamber to remember these women are not statistics. Each one was somebody’s mother, daughter, sister or partner. Women being murdered is an everyday occurrence.

“Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation and the immediate and long-term physical, sexual and mental consequences can be devastating.”

Rabiya Jiva, a Labour councillor for Crompton, said: “This is so important, I’m so happy Bolton Council is showing support for this and I’m incredibly proud to be part of it.

“It’s not something to be taking lightly, and last night’s vote was a step in the right direction, but more has to be done to ensure we have this conversation in the borough as part of our daily lives.

"Awareness has to be raised for this cause, and we must ensure that the borough is a completely safe place for women.

“I felt so absolutely heartened to see so many of my colleagues within the chamber talking about this and putting their support behind young women and girls, and making sure they are not silenced.

“There is no excuse to remain silent so it was overwhelming and I loved to see that my colleagues put their support behind this important cause.”

Conservative councillor for Horwich and Blackrod, Susan Baines, said: “Gender-based violence against women and girls can include domestic homicides, domestic abuse and coercive control, rape and sexual assault, street and workplace harassment.

“Men as well can be victims, but the figures are stark. One in four women in the UK will experience some form of sexual assault or domestic abuse in their lifetime.”

The forum would include YES Matters, Endeavour, police and Transport for Greater Manchester.

Gill Smallwood, chief executive of Fortalice, added: “For us, with the area that we work in, it is crucial no one feels vulnerable and they feel safe. I really welcome the development of this forum and the chance to bring this issue to the forefront of our national conversation.”