Government Equalities Office - Putting equality at the heart of government
GEO News 20th July 2010

In this issue

• Equality Act 2010: What do I need to Know?
• Theresa May says Pilot Scheme for Domestic Violence Victims Will Continue

Equality Act 2010: What do I need to Know?

The Equality Act 2010 received Royal Assent on 8 April 2010. The Act simplifies the law, removes inconsistencies and makes it easier for people to understand and comply with. It also strengthens the law in important ways to help tackle discrimination and inequality. The first wave of the implementation will go ahead later this year as planned and the Government is currently looking at how the later this year rest of the Act can be implemented.

Implementation of core provisions of the Equality Act will begin on 1 October 2010. Equality Act 2010: What do I need to know? is a series of summary guides and "Quick Start" guides to the key changes in the law, produced by the Government Equalities Office in partnership
with the British Chambers of Commerce, Citizens Advice and the Equality and Diversity Forum, to support implementation of the Act. These simple guides set out clearly what the new laws will mean for business, the public sector, the voluntary sector and the public, helping people understand their new responsibilities and rights.

Visit our website to view and download the guides: http://www.equalities.gov.uk/equality_act_2010/equality_act_2010_what_do_i_n.aspx

Theresa May says Pilot Scheme for Domestic Violence Victims Will Continue

Home Secretary and Minister for Equalities, Theresa May, made a speech at the Women’s Aid Conference in Warwick last week in which she said that stopping violence against women would be a 'priority for the government’.

She added that victims of abuse, who have no access to public funds because of their immigration status, will continue to be helped by the Eaves Housing for Women Ltd, a charity that has supported more than 250 women, until March 2011. She also committed to finding a long-term solution to make sure victims are protected after that.

Eaves Housing provides support to victims in the UK on a spouse of partner visa, who have been forced to leave their home because of domestic violence.

She said: "I believe I have a unique opportunity to bring about real change to the lives and status of women in this country and my ambition is nothing less than ending violence against women and girls."

The Home Secretary also confirmed that the government would reverse the decline in rape crisis centres. It will now look to fund 15 new centres, and how to provide more stable funding for existing centres.

You can view the full speech on our website: http://www.equalities.gov.uk/ministers/speeches-1.aspx