Two politicians have been to see the domestic violence one stop shop in Stratford after hearing abourt its vital work.

Jean Lambert, Green MEP for London and Jenny Jones, Green London Assembly Member, visited the dedicated one-stop shop at Stratford Advice Arcade to promote it as a beacon of good practice.

The surgery, which first opened its doors in May 2011, aims to help vulnerable women, and in some cases, men, in dealing with threatening situations before they result in physical abuse. Visitors to the drop-in sessions can meet with representatives of Newham’s police community safety unit, Asian Women’s Aid, East London Black Women’s Organisation, Newham Action Against Domestic Abuse and TV Edwards Solicitors to access the help and advice they need.

The politicians’ visit coincided with the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, an annual event that aims to raise awareness of violence against women and girls across the world.

Jean, a strong campaigner against domestic violence, said: “On average, two women are killed every week in England and Wales by a current or former partner. On average, one incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute. Yet despite these devastating statistics, research by Women’s Aid reveals that 60 per cent of refuge services are now operating without a single penny of council funding, significantly reducing lifesaving services for those who experience violence in the home.

“We know that women are at greater risk of domestic violence and abuse during times of economic recession.The Government has responsibility to ensure that vital support services, such as the domestic violence surgery at the Stratford Advice Arcade, are adequately funded, prepared and able to cope with incidents of emotional and physical abuse that can have such a shattering impact on people’s lives.”

Jenny said: “Organisations like this do very valuable work in our city, providing vital support to those most in need. The priority for those in government is to do far more to decrease abuse in all its forms.”