Commonwealth with NO MORE Foundation to reduce domestic violence

The Commonwealth has announced a new partnership designed to reduce domestic violence in member countries.

Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General has signed a memorandum of understanding with the NO MORE Foundation which is a global movement of 1,400 allied organisations and 40 international chapters working together to stop and prevent domestic violence and sexual assault.

The two parties have agreed to work together to implement initiatives that work on the prevention of domestic violence and sexual abuse as part of wider efforts to achieve the 2030 sustainable development goals.

According to the World Health Organisation, one in three women worldwide has been a victim of sexual and/or physical violence in their lifetime, making it a leading cause of death in women and girls. Reports suggest the abuse remains largely unreported due to impunity, silence, stigma, fear and shame.

The partnership is designed to help member countries record accurate data on the prevalence of violence, deliver grassroots projects, train community leaders, educate bystanders’ responses and provide awareness resources.

Pamela Zaballa, Global Executive Director at NO MORE says, "NO MORE is proud to partner with the Commonwealth and grateful to have this tremendous opportunity to help end domestic violence in the 53 member countries. We are looking forward to engaging a wide array of governmental, business, human rights and community leaders in this initiative. Together, we can dramatically increase awareness and action to prevent violence and meet the 2030 sustainable development goals."

The partnership has been announced at an event hosted at Commonwealth headquarters in London, to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Officials from high commissions, businesses, human rights groups and women’s rights organisations participated at the launch of the initiative.