Commissioner welcomes VAWG Strategy as he backs fight against 'National Emergency'

Commissioner Grunshaw welcomed the publication of the strategy as a key part of tackling what both he and Government have called a ‘national emergency’, with the largest crackdown on violence perpetrated against women and girls in British history.

The strategy recognises that a whole-society approach is needed to address the systemic nature of VAWG, bringing together different critical areas across policing, local government, education, health and others to deliver substantive, positive change.

It includes the rollout of dedicated rape and sexual offence specialist investigators, something already in place here in Lancashire, replicating this across every police force in England and Wales. This will ensure a consistent approach to supporting victims and pursuing perpetrators.

Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls is a key priority in Commissioner Grunshaw’s Police and Crime Plan, with recent months seeing £177k invested using money seized from criminals to support 38 VAWG prevention projects, and the launch of #GetTheMessage, a behaviour change campaign to tackle so-called low-level harassment and abuse.

The Commissioner has also launched a targeted campaign working with beauty businesses. The #NailDomesticAbuse campaign offers free online training as well as resources to display in Lancashire Salons, helping to spot the signs of domestic abuse and signpost for local support.

Speaking after the launch of the strategy, PCC Clive Grunshaw said:

“I absolutely agree that violence against women and girls is a national emergency and has no place in our society. It is not a problem that policing can tackle alone, which this new strategy reflects to ensure everyone plays their part in addressing what are vile crimes that devastate lives.

“Education and prevention have to go hand-in-hand with strong enforcement, with specialist teams like the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences teams we have here in Lancashire playing a key role in putting offenders behind bars and delivering justice for victims.

“Women and girls deserve to be safe and feel safe and I hope by raising awareness and challenging behaviours through campaigns like #GetTheMessage, and ensuring that we deliver swift justice for those who have been impacted by crime, we will make a positive difference in people’s lives.

“I will continue to work closely with Government on delivering this strategy, to drive down the number of victims and drive up the number of positive outcomes.”