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Violence against women and girls

The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women issued by the UN General Assembly in 1993 defines violence against women as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life".

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) reported that in the year ending March 2020, 1.6 million women in England and Wales aged between 16 and 74 experienced domestic abuse. Equivalent to 7% of the female population. The ONS also found that in the year ending June 2021, 60% of police-recorded crimes described as "rape of a female aged 16 years and over" were closed due to "evidential difficulties".

Although the statistics show that men are the perpetrators of violence against women and girls, women can be perpetrators, and men can be victims. This information includes support for women and men alike. 

You can help end violence against women and girls

We are committed to ending violence against women and girls, and in November 2023, we became the first local government national body to be White Ribbon-accredited. We have joined a community of hundreds of organisations who have committed to stopping violence before it starts under the global symbol for ending violence against women and girls, the White Ribbon.

Find out more

Parish and town councils have two primary roles; support victims who have experienced violence and prevent violence before it happens. They can play a crucial role in preventing violence against women and girls in their local area by taking various proactive measures. Here are some suggestions:

  • Regularly assess the effectiveness of implemented initiatives and adjust strategies based on feedback and changing community needs.
  • Foster an environment where community members actively participate in violence prevention efforts.
  • Listen to and believe survivors is vital. Statistics show that violence is rising, but conviction rates are declining, and likewise, being aware of the services and support available for those in need. Support for victims may be in counselling, shelter, or a conversation with them.
  • Create and signpost safe spaces near your area. These are consultation rooms in pharmacies, shops, and banks across the UK for victims of domestic abuse to reach out to friends and family, contact specialist support services and seek refuge.
  • Encourage businesses and public places to display information about available support services.
  • Put up Ask For Angela posters to help anyone feeling vulnerable on a night out get the support they need.
  • Collaborate with local law enforcement to ensure that they are trained to handle cases of violence against women and girls sensitively.
  • Encourage increased police presence in vulnerable areas and swift response to reports of violence.
  • Implement educational programs in schools and community centres to teach consent, healthy relationships, and gender equality.
  • Facilitate open discussions about gender-based violence to reduce stigma and encourage reporting.
  • Ensure that support services, such as counselling and helplines, are accessible to victims of violence.
  • Collaborate with local health services and NGOs to provide resources for survivors.
  • Conduct safety audits in public spaces to identify areas where women and girls may feel vulnerable.
  • Advocate for improved lighting, well-maintained public spaces, and security measures in these areas.
  • Partner with local women's shelters, NGOs, and community organisations focusing on women's rights and safety.
  • Organise awareness campaigns to educate the community about the different forms of violence against women and girls.
  • Conduct workshops, seminars, and training sessions to promote understanding and sensitivity.

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