In a pivotal moment for public safety and gender equality, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth of the College of Policing have released a comprehensive report addressing violence against women and girls (VAWG). The report, published by the National Police Chiefs Council and the College of Policing, underscores the systemic nature of the issue, likening its societal impact to that of terrorism.
The findings are stark: over one million VAWG crimes were reported last year, constituting 20% of all recorded crimes. The report reveals that one in every 12 women will be a victim of violence, one in six murders stems from domestic abuse, and a disturbing one in 20 individuals will perpetrate violence against women and girls in their lifetime.
Recent high-profile cases highlight the severity and persistence of the threat, compelling a call to action not just from policing but from all sectors of society. We must act to change the unacceptable reality for women and girls,” stated Sir Rowley. Policing will play its part, but the scale and urgency of the challenge call for a whole society response.
The report introduces a strategy modelled after counter-terrorism efforts, structured around the “four Ps”: Protect, Pursue, Prevent, and Prepare. This includes overhauling training for police officers, improving the victim experience to encourage reporting, and adopting new investigative approaches that have already led to a 25% increase in arrests and a 38% increase in charges for rape nationally.
One innovative approach being tested in London involves data-led targeting of the most harmful offenders, yielding promising early results. Additionally, the deployment of live facial recognition technology is aiding in the monitoring and apprehension of sex offenders in the community.
Despite these advancements, the report stresses the importance of preparation, including the deployment of specially trained investigators, advanced technology for detection and investigation, and robust victim support systems. A proposed central policing hub aims to consolidate these efforts and drive national improvements.
The report also highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach involving the criminal justice system, social services, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and technology companies. Each sector is called upon to enhance its role in preventing and responding to violence against women and girls, from early education on healthy relationships to the implementation of stronger online safeguarding measures.
We welcome the Government’s commitment to halving rates of violence against women and girls over the next decade,” Deputy Chief Constable Blyth remarked. “However, this is not a goal policing alone can achieve. It requires a bold, united effort across all parts of the system.”
The publication of this report marks a crucial step toward addressing the pervasive issue of violence against women and girls, urging an integrated, society-wide strategy to foster a safer environment for all.
