TODAY we launch our Jade’s Law campaign to stop monsters who murder a partner controlling their children from behind bars.
The Sun wants to help close a loophole that allows caged killers to see their kids’ medical records and school reports, plus prevent them from travelling abroad.
Our drive for change is inspired by Jade Ward, 27, who was stabbed and strangled by her boyfriend Russell Marsh in August 2021.
He is serving at least 25 years in jail but still has a say in the lives of their children, aged four to 11.
Jade’s parents, Paul, 56, and Karen, 52, want killer dads to be automatically stripped of parental rights so they cannot inflict more distress on the families of their victims.
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For more than 20 years, The Sun has fought for the rights of women, and you — our loyal readers — have been with us every step of the way.
We are proud of our record of speaking up for women, from supporting victims of domestic abuse to pushing for a drop in the cost of HRT and helping close technicalities in the law that left females at risk.
We have also supported women and their families with practical advice on the cost of living and the Fabulous Baby, Bank On Us fundraiser, supported by Catherine, Princess of Wales.
At The Sun, we have never shied away from uncomfortable subjects and our women’s crusades have been backed by stars including Spice Girl Mel B.
We supported last year’s He’s Coming Home campaign during the World Cup, which highlighted male violence throughout the tournament, and also demanded that migrant women be included in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
And we have been blown away by how YOU back us. Every. Single. Time.
Here is how we have made a difference so far . . .
SPEAK OUT
SINGER Mel B led the way as we partnered with Women’s Aid to encourage females to Speak Out Against Domestic Abuse.
The Spice Girl, 48, launched the initiative after walking out on husband Stephen Belafonte in 2017.
Last October she told MPs at a panel on domestic violence at the Tory party Conference in Birmingham: “As a Spice Girl I’m the embodiment of Girl Power, and for ten years I was completely powerless over this man.”
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We want extra funding for victims in the cost-of-living crisis.
LEGAL VICTORIES
IN 1999, we joined forces with Refuge to raise cash for the charity in an initiative led by Sheryl Gascoigne, who had been bullied and beaten by her ex – the former England footballer Paul Gascoigne.
We linked up with Refuge again in 2003 to remove the stigma surrounding domestic violence, printing shocking, unedited pictures of survivors’ injuries.
And in September that year, we published the faces of six abusers on our front page in a high-profile call for change.
Hours later, then-Home Secretary David Blunkett announced the biggest crackdown on violence against women in 25 years.
Since 2004, police have been able to nick abusers for common assault after our campaign made it an arrestable offence.
BABY BANKS
FABULOUS recently launched our Baby, Bank On Us campaign to help young families struggling with the cost of living.
It was supported by Kate, with X Factor winner Leona Lewis our ambassador.
Readers have generously supported Britain’s 200 baby banks, which many families have come to rely on as tough times bite.
SAVING SHELTERS
THOUSANDS of our readers signed a petition in 2015 to make the Government give back a much-needed £3.2million funding boost for women’s shelters.
Three years later, The Sun on Sunday launched its Save Our Shelters campaign, supported by Women’s Aid, to guarantee funding of refuge places.
And the then Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May forced councils by law to protect domestic abuse victims by providing them with safe accommodation.
WELLBEING
OUR Fabulous lifestyle team also took the taboo out of the menopause with a campaign backed by big names.
Stars including Davina McCall, 55, and Gabby Logan, 50, shared personal stories as we fought for HRT to be made free on the NHS.
We also asked firms to introduce menopause policies such as flexible working and time off for doctor’s appointments, and companies such as PwC, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Santander signed up.
In February, it was announced women will pay a one-off £18.70 for a 12-month supply of HRT, saving up to £205.
Menopause Matters won Campaign of the Year at the British Society of Magazine Editors awards last year.
