Charity inspires Labour shadow minister to tackle violence

Less than 72 hours before she was named as the Labour Party's shadow minister with responsibility to prevent violence against women, Seema Malhotra - the Labour MP for Feltham and Heston - visited Brighton and Hove.

Ed Miliband, the Labour leader, described her appointment as "another indication of the importance a Labour government will place on tackling violence against women and girls'.

Hosted by Purna Sen, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion, Ms Malhotra made a private visit last Thursday to learn more about RISE, the local support service for women experiencing violence and their children.

Ms Sen, a RISE trustee and a leading expert on the subject, championed the successful Fear-free Football campaign aimed at highlighting the risk of male violence against women during the recent World Cup. The campaign was highlighted on the front-page of Brighton and Hove Independent.

For support to tackle domestic abuse, call RISE on 01273 622 822; if you are in danger call 999. For more information, visit: www.riseuk.org.uk