The Government’s announcements, including the creation of a national taskforce to tackle misogyny and the introduction of specialist courts to handle cases of rape and other sexual offences, have been welcomed by the Commissioner as part of a wider effort to address the attitudes and behaviours that can contribute to violence, harassment and abuse.

Violence against women and girls remains a key priority in the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan, with significant work taking place across Lancashire to challenge harmful behaviours, support victims and improve criminal justice outcomes.

The Government’s plans include the introduction of specialist rape courts aimed at improving outcomes for victims and helping cases progress more effectively through the criminal justice system, addressing the backlog in court cases that causes unacceptable delays and loss of public confidence. A new national taskforce will also work to tackle misogyny and challenge the harmful attitudes and behaviours that can underpin violence against women and girls.

Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, and Chair of the Lancashire Criminal Justice Board said:

“Violence against women and girls has no place in Lancashire, and I welcome the Government’s commitment to strengthening the national response to these offences.

“Tackling violence against women and girls requires action on many fronts. We need strong enforcement to ensure offenders are brought to justice, but we also need to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that can allow abuse, harassment and violence to occur in the first place.

“That is why I have launched  initiatives such as my Get the Message campaign, which encourages everyone to play their part in preventing violence against women and girls and promoting safer communities. Changing attitudes and challenging unacceptable behaviour is just as important as responding when offences are committed.

“I am also continuing to hold Lancashire Constabulary to account for its response to these crimes, including through scrutiny of investigations into rape and serious sexual offences and ensuring victims receive the service and support they deserve.

“As part of my Police and Crime Plan, my Office is working with partners across Lancashire to protect vulnerable people, support victims and prevent harm. This includes campaigning for greater recognition of domestic abuse-related suicide and supporting changes such as Kiena’s Law, to strengthen protections for victims and to ensure the role of perpetrators is properly recognised.

“Just as importantly, we want victims and survivors to know that support is available. Across Lancashire, we continue to invest in services that provide practical and emotional support to those affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of violence against women and girls. We also need justice to be delivered as swiftly as possible, with these new courts aimed at speeding up the process, and utilising technology.

“Every victim has rights under the Victims’ Code and should be treated with dignity, respect and compassion. Building confidence so that victims feel able to come forward, report abuse and access support must remain at the heart of our efforts.

“While there is more to do, these latest national measures are an positive step, and I look forward to working with partners locally and nationally to help make Lancashire a safer place for women and girls.”

Further information about the specialist domestic abuse support available through Domestic Abuse Support Services Lancashire (DASSL) is available at dassl.org.uk.

The petition for Kiena’s Law can be found online at change.org/kienas-law.