Commonwealth to work with NO MORE against domestic violence

The Commonwealth has announced a new partnership to end domestic violence.

The international body will now work with the ‘NO MORE’ initiative, an international foundation to end and prevent all forms of abuse of women.

”Today, Secretary-General Patricia Scotland signed a memorandum of understanding with the NO MORE Foundation,” the statement read in part.

NO MORE, the Common wealth reports, is an alliance of more that 1400 organizations with 40 international chapters working to address ‘domestic violence and sexual assault’.

This new partnership, signed on Monday is aimed at ending domestic abuse, one of the many listed in the 2030 Standard Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking on the partnership, the foundation’s Secretary Genera Patricia Scotland said that violence against women must be stopped in both words and actions.

Quoting the World Health Organization figures, Scotland said that one in three women have suffered from physical or sexual violence, also saying that it is one of the leading causes of death in women and girls.

”We must do everything we can to ensure every child in our home and our community grows up in a safe environment,” she said adding that it is the only way to ensure that the Standard Development goals are met.

The foundation’s Executive Director who was also present lauded the signing of the partnership saying that it will go a long way in ending abuse particularly in the 53 countries that are Commonwealth members.

Zaballa remarked that efforts must be made to protect victims of abuse and ensure that perpetrators face justice for their actions.

This new alliance will enable Commonwealth countries to collect data and start programs that put a stop to the vice reported to be a leading cause of death in women and girls.

It was announced at an event to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, held at the Commonwealth Headquarters in London.