Standing Together responds to the NPCC report calling VAWG a national threat

Responding to the National Police Chiefs’ Council report that calls violence against women and girls a national emergency, our CEO Cherryl Henry-Leach says

“The NPCC estimates that 1 in 12 women in England and Wales would be a victim of violence every year (about 2 million women). This is just a fraction of the number of women who are affected by acts of misogyny and abuse. Too many feel afraid, judged or ashamed to report it. 

Standing Together agrees that violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a national emergency.  We can no longer allow the system to fail women. With VAWG rising by 37% in the last 5 years, our sector needs adequate investment to reach people affected by violence and abuse, particularly those who are vulnerable and marginalised.

We call for this report to be seen as a driver that takes the conversation to direct action. This requires a whole system approach that is immediate and effective in working towards the new government's aims to at least halve VAWG. 

This must include 

• A coordinated multi-agency approach that incorporates specialist services to support victim-survivors. 

• Increased training and education.
  

In the report, 1 in 20 adults are cited as perpetrators of VAWG every year, with VAWG accounting for 20% of all crimes recorded by the police. Prevention and early intervention are essential if we are to truly tackle abusive behaviours before they escalate.

There is much work to do, and we are Standing Together with our partners in the call for urgent action now and in the immediate future."