Violence against women and girls is a 'national emergency', say police.

We welcome the report released today by the National Police Chief’s Council describing the epidemic of violence against women and girls as a ‘national emergency’ which should treated as seriously as terrorism.

The statistics show there are around 3,000 crimes of violence against women and girls recorded each day, with an estimated 2 million women a year thought to be survivors of male violence across England and Wales.

In reality, the true number is likely far higher given that the majority of survivors do not report what has happened to them.

This is largely due to a victim-blaming culture which actively silences women when they try to speak out, as well as limited options when it comes to survivors’ being able to access both justice and support.

The report also reveals that there are around 2.3 million perpetrators in England and Wales, with the actual number also thought to be significantly higher. These statistics show we are indeed living with an epidemic of violence against women and girls, one that requires nothing less than an urgent, whole-society approach. Until then, women and girls will continue to feel the devastating and profound impact of these crimes.

We welcome the recommendations and commitments in the report which include a national centre to address violence against women and girls, a focus on data sharing to support prevention and a focus on the responsibility of tech companies to reduce boys’ exposure to misogynistic content online. Whilst it is undeniable that social media offers fertile ground for misogynistic beliefs and attitudes to manifest, it is also important to recognise that violence against women and girls has existed long before the internet and often times, women are most at risk in their own homes from men known to them.

We reiterate that misogyny continues to be the root cause of violence against women and girls and that cultural change is urgently required, including schools actively embedding environments in which girls are safe and empowered. Specialist support services and Rape Crisis Centres also need to receive adequate, sustainable funding in order to be able to continue offering life-saving support to women and girls.

We continue to be here to support women living with the impact of any form of sexual and domestic abuse, rape and childhood sexual abuse at any time in their lives.

Women are welcome to call our Helpline on 01208 77099 Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm and Monday evening 6pm – 9pm.

We also run an online community and mobile app for women via www.campfireforum.org.uk or by searching ‘Campfire Forum’ in any App store.

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