This week I have been focussing on social issues and publicservices, both in terms of visits to parts of the constituency andin preparation for when Parliament next meets at the end of thismonth.
A memorable visit was to the Stroud Beresford Group, a women'srefuge providing safety and support for those who are sufferingfrom domestic abuse. The figures are frightening - as many as one inevery four women can experience some form of abuse from theirpartner. This can have devastating consequences for families andchildren.
For this kind of thing to happen in our neighbourhoods - oftenunseen and unheard - is shocking.
It seems to me cooperation between social services, police andother agencies should be further enhanced but we should alsoredouble our efforts to improve education to ensure that peopleleave school more confident in themselves and able to communicateeffectively with others.
At the other end of the scale, I spoke at a conference inCheltenham about the dangers of premature sexualisation of younggirls. The pressures from advertising, consequences of unrestrictedaccess to the internet and peer pressure are some of the unwelcomeinfluences. This issue is also linked to teenage pregnancies, andexploitation through trafficking and prostitution.
The Government is acting on all of these fronts, for example,launching the Bailey Review on commercialisation and prematuresexualisation of children.
But it remains necessary to be more holistic in considering theimpact of policies in education, healthcare and social services.
I am going to raise this when Parliament meets again.
On a completely different subject, I met the new chief fireofficer Jon Hall to discuss recent developments in GloucestershireFire & Rescue Service.
Responses times have been further improved, fire control will bemoved to Stroud and there will be more investment in equipment,including a new vehicle. This is good news for our area and forGloucestershire as a whole.
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