Survey Results
Nearly 5,000 women and girls took part in Commissioner Grunshaw’s county wide consultation, with 93% reporting that they modify their daily behaviour to avoid danger, and 78% stating that they have felt unsafe at least occasionally in the past year.
The findings also show that more than 70% are concerned about drink spiking, sexual assault, and rape when in public spaces. Groping, indecent exposure, and stalking were also identified as major concerns.
Over half of respondents reported experiencing unwanted comments and intrusive staring in the last 12 months, highlighting that threats to safety extend far beyond physical harm and include harassment such as sexual remarks and catcalling.
Current work to tackle VAWG in Lancashire
Research Analysis and Action Planning
Following the county wide survey a huge amount of work has gone into analysing the results. This has created a detailed problem profile and identified a range of key issues. This information is now being used to form a strategic action plan to ensure we address the issues raised.
Work with Partners
The Commissioner has convened senior leaders from across Lancashire to share learning from the survey and ensure a joined-up approach to tackling issues across the county. This includes working with Lancashire Councils, Transport firms, Public Health, Students Unions and others to pool resources where possible and extend the reach of public messaging on VAWG related issues.
Community VAWG Fund
Through his Community Fund, Commissioner Grunshaw has invested over £177,000 in projects that combat VAWG in Lancashire. Funded through cash seized from criminals, the investment will support a total of 38 intervention projects that aim to prevent violence, support survivors, and create safer environments for women and girls across Lancashire.
Grants of up to £5,000 have been awarded to a wide variety of schemes, ranging from supporting vulnerable women and girls to education and sports-based outreach activities. Projects also include support for victims of crime and targeted intervention work with domestic abuse perpetrators to break the cycle of reoffending, all with the aim of reducing crime and making local communities safer. Read more.
Independent VAWG Advisory Group
In October 2025, Commissioner Grunshaw announced the launch of a new Joint Independent Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Advisory Committee, reinforcing his commitment to tackling VAWG and ensuring strong public accountability.
The Committee, jointly established with Lancashire Constabulary, brings together independent experts from across sectors to provide strategic advice, challenge, and insight into how the force, supported by the Commissioner’s office, address violence against women and girls. Read more.
Home Office Funding
Earlier this year, Commissioner Grunshaw secured continued funding to tackle domestic abuse and protect the public.
£442,000 has been provided by Government which will support the continued delivery of programmes that will reduce the number of persistent repeat offenders and reduce harm caused to victims and their children.
Both the Drive and CARA (Cautioning and Relationship Abuse) projects, which will now be funded through until Spring 2026, aiming to achieve long term behaviour change and reduce incidents of domestic abuse across the county.
Operating since 2023, the Drive project has been providing interventions to reduce incidents of physical and sexual abuse, harassment and controlling behaviours. CARA works with offenders before offending is prolific or escalates further, and attendance at the CARA workshops can be attached to Conditional Cautions for time offences where the victim supports this as an outcome. Read more.
Support for Victims
PCC Grunshaw continues to commission services for victim of crime across Lancashire. This includes specialist services for victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking which disproportionately affect women and girls. Providing expert support that support victims at their own pace is crucial to help them cope and recover and to move forward from what has happened to them. Details of all commissioned services can be found at victimcarelancashire.org/support-directory.
White Ribbon
Commissioner Clive Grunshaw and staff in his Office have been re-accredited as White Ribbon Champions and Ambassadors in support of the White Ribbon Campaign which aims to prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls. Its aim is to prevent men’s violence against women and girls by addressing root causes. White Ribbon UK work with men and boys to change long-established and harmful attitudes, systems and behaviours around rigid gender norms and masculinity that perpetuate inequality and violence.
Next steps
Strategic action
The Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office will be working closely with the Constabulary and Lancashire partners to form a strategic action plan
Behaviour change and Education
The Commissioner’s Office will work with the Constabulary and partners to develop messaging to challenge misogynistic behaviour towards women and girls. The Office will also amplify national campaigns that challenge offenders and work with education providers to ensure messaging reaches all audiences, including younger people across Lancashire.
Commissioner Grunshaw vows to tackle violence against women and girls
