Cumbria Constabulary hosted partner organisations on Friday 2 May to raise awareness around Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and the work being done to tackle crimes that disproportionally affect women.
VAWG accounts for 27% of recorded crime in Cumbria and 20% of recorded crime nationally. Throughout the day, topics covered current initiatives to reduce VAWG, digital policing in relation to VAWG, Management of Sexual and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) and Multi-Agency Tasking and Co-ordination (MATAC) in relation to VAWG prevention. Attendees also had the opportunity to hear the first-hand experience of a survivor of extreme domestic abuse.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, opened the conference alongside Chief Constable, Rob Carden.
Speaking on the event, the Commissioner said: “Tackling violence against women and girls in a priority here in Cumbria.
“Across the UK, and right here in Cumbria, we have seen the devastating impact of domestic abuse, coercive control, stalking, harassment, and sexual violence can have.
“I am the father of a young daughter, and, like so many parents, I find myself worrying every time she goes out and whether she’ll get home safe. We live in a culture where too many women still alter their behaviour, their clothing, or their routes home, just to feel safe. It shouldn’t be this way.
“I’m incredibly pleased to see the Constabulary stepping up and prioritising the reduction of VAWG through partnership and collaboration with other agencies in the county – VAWG isn’t just a policing responsibility, it’s a societal responsibility.
“I would encourage anyone that has faced abuse and violence to report it to the Police at 101 or 999 in an emergency. However, I understand that this isn’t an option for everyone which is why I am proud to fund a number of services including Victim Support. Anyone in need of support can contact them on 0300 303 0157 or on their website: www.victimsupport.org.uk/cumbria.
“Only by working together, shifting the culture and addressing the cause of violence against women and girls will we be able to ensure a safer future for everyone.”
Detective Inspector Mike Taylor is the Cumbria Police dedicated operational detective inspector overseeing work on the issue of violence against women and girls, known as VAWG.
He said: “Violence against women and girls is unacceptable and everyone should be safe and feel safe, no matter where they are.
“These crimes have a damaging and serious impact on victims and their families. Women and girls should not have to avoid certain areas or change their own behaviour through fear of being abused or harassed – whether that is online or in the real world.
“Violence against women and girls is being taken extremely seriously - it has been classified as a national threat to public safety and made a national strategic policing priority.
“But law enforcement alone cannot reduce the scale and impact of these offences.
“This is why Cumbria Police are working with partners in statutory agencies, charities and the private sector and industry in a whole-system approach to prevent the escalation and impact of abuse - both behind closed doors and in public spaces.
“This conference was a key opportunity to explain in further detail to partners the work that is underway to prevent violence against women and girls and to make them aware of the part we can all play.
“They also heard first-hand from a victim /survivor of such offences in an account that was extremely moving and thought-provoking.
“I’d like to thank all those attending and participating in what was an educational experience, and a platform to further enhance our collective approach to reducing and removing VAWG.”
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.