Barrow-in-Furness has been named as one of the toughest places to be a girl in the U.K. in connection with Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), according to a Nationwide Report released on 18 July 2024.
In response, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), David Allen comments: “Violence against women and girls is unacceptable and everyone should be safe and feel safe, no matter where they are. This report shows that this isn’t always the case.
“I would like to highlight, however, that in the last 12 months in Cumbria, overall recorded crime has dropped by 8.3% and specifically that throughout the county, Violence Against Women and Girls has dropped by 16.9%. In addition to this, the Criminal Justice conviction rate for VAWG in Cumbria is 80%, which is one of the best in the country.
“We understand that women and girls are more likely to experience violence in day-to-day life, which is why we are working hard, across the county, as well as in Barrow, to address the issue.
“We already have a number of initiatives in place which target violent crimes against women and girls. One includes ‘Operation Vigilant’, which is where the constabulary carries out proactive patrols around pubs and clubs, to target anyone who looks like they may be preying on vulnerable people out in our night-time economy.
“Safer Streets Welfare Hubs are in place in Carlisle and Windermere to support people on a night out, specifically vulnerable people – and plans are in place to roll this out in other areas of the county and to use them at major events.
“VAWG is in my top five priorities, along with visibility and tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB). The issues are all very much interlinked. Barrow is one of the 18 hotspot areas that the Constabulary have identified across Cumbria and additional resource will be put in place to help tackle anti-social behaviour in the town centre and other areas.
“My office recently secured an additional one million pounds from the Home Office, to target the hotspot areas and with additional resources and officer patrols, will be focusing on ASB and the related issues around VAWG.
“I also commission a network of women’s centres across the county, as well as Outreach centres in various rural areas, where women can often feel more isolated.
“In the last 12 months, the women’s centre in Barrow, called ‘Women’s Community Matters’ supported 1,224 different women experiencing domestic abuse and violence. Of those 1,224 women, 565 were new clients, with referrals coming from the Constabulary, some from professional support services and also some self-referrals.
“Women’s Community Matters also operates an Outreach centre in Kendal, for the South Lakes area. Last year they supported a total of 89 women, including 66 new referrals: nine more than the previous year (April 2022 -March 2023).
“One user of Women’s Community Matters Outreach centre in Kendal, who was referred due to an assault, comments: “You’ve helped me get clarity on my past and made me feel worthy again. I’m in a much healthier and safer place now, than when I first joined.”
“In order to provide as much support to women and girls as possible, over the Christmas period, when everything tends to close down, officers from the Constabulary and Safeguarding Hub worked with Women’s Community Matters in Barrow, to ensure daily drop-in sessions were available over the usual Christmas shut down period (18 December – 5 January).
“As father to a 20-year-old daughter, I am aware of issues surrounding Violence Against Women and Girls and know from talking with her, that young women can feel really vulnerable at times.
“We also know that the type of incidents and issues around VAWG remain under-reported, so I would like to use this opportunity to encourage victims and witnesses to report incidents to the Police. Please know that you will be listened to, you will be offered support and any crimes will be investigated sensitively by dedicated specialist officers.
“As your Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, my role is to be the voice of residents within Cumbria, in respect of the Police and Fire services – I am your voice. If any member of the public has a concern about crime in their area, or around the Constabulary or Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, please raise it with me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or call 01768 217734."
If you wish to report to police you can do so online at Report a crime | Cumbria Police. You can also phone on 101. Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.