We’re gonna need a bigger boat…

The image is a coffin, with a wreath on the top and it’s part of Operation Relentless, launched today in Derbyshire to tackle domestic violence.

I’ve just been listening to coverage on the local radio.

"We’re at the largest we’ve ever been and we’re dealing with more cases than ever before and we still have people on waiting lists. ……….   The more resources we put out the more we find."

A Women’s Aid spokesperson.  It’s horrendous that there simply isn’t the funding, support and resources for everyone who needs it.

Oh and why call it a "hard hitting" campaign?  Does no-one at that office think that’s innapropriate? And what an opportunity to have a link there for any women reading it to click and find help? Where is that? I don’t see it.

I’ve left a comment.

Update: Email reply from the deputy editor:

Dear Sarah,

Your observation with regard to the domestic violence campaign is absolutely correct.

We stopped the relevant phrase from going into the paper but was unfortunately allowed to stay on the web.

I have instructed it should be taken off immediately.

Kind regards,

Neil White,

Deputy Editor,

Derby Evening Telegraph.

And the phrase is gone, prompt and effective, thank you Neil.  

The UN has classified rape as a war tactic.

It described sexual violence as "a tactic of war to humiliate, dominate, instil fear in, disperse and/or forcibly relocate civilian members of a community or ethnic group".

As far as it goes this is a historic step. But it’s not just during a large organised conflict though is it? 

During the debate in the council, Mr Ban said: "Responding to this silent war against women and girls requires leadership at the national level."

Woulsn’t you like to see this extended to rape anywhere, at any time? 

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the world now recognised that sexual violence profoundly affected not only the health and safety of women, but the economic and social stability of their nations.

Look a little closer to home Ms Rice, it’s happening on your own doorstep.  

But, the fact that it’s the UN means it’s an international statement and a step in the right direction. It might make a difference to women in wor torn regions even if it doesn’t help the women who live near you and I, and Condoleezza Rice.  Who knows, maybe this will mark the start of a change of attitudes, or maybe not.

Then there’s this at the end that kinda steal all the thunder of the entire resolution…

Sometimes women are even raped by peacekeepers who are supposed to be protecting them.

What hope is there when the people meant to be enforcing this are doing it too?