Responding to the news that Danyal Hussein has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for killing Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman in June 2020, ActionAid UK is calling for radical change to prevent violence against women and girls – in the UK and worldwide.
Amy Harrison, Senior Technical Specialist for Violence Against Women and Girls at ActionAid UK says,
“Our thoughts are with Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman’s family and friends today. Danyal Hussein’s sentencing is accountability, but it is not justice. Justice can only come when all women, including women of colour and other minoritized women, can exist freely and without fear of male violence.
“This week, on top of charges of misconduct against constables involved in Bibaa and Nicole’s case, the police apologised for the inadequate handling of their missing persons reports. Sorry is not enough. Justice systems must take violence against women and girls seriously.
“Violence against women and girls is a crisis in the UK and around the world, and ActionAid UK is calling for radical change. We must see strong political will and adequate resourcing to disrupt the patriarchal systems, institutions and norms that excuse and perpetuate male violence. Alongside this, investing in feminist movements and women’s rights organisations is also pivotal to creating this change, and we are committed to supporting such organisations globally so that they can continue their life-saving work.”
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For further information or interview enquiries, please contact frankie.harrington@actionaid.org; or if out of hours, please call +44 (0) 7753 973 486.
Notes to editors
ActionAid UK
ActionAid is an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty. Our dedicated local staff are changing the world with women and girls. We are ending violence and fighting poverty so that all women, everywhere, can create the future they want.