The Minister responsible for addressing violence against women and girls has emphasized the need for “cultural change” to achieve a halving of such violence within a decade.
Home Office Minister Alex Davies-Jones highlighted the importance of prioritizing the safety of women and girls, stating that the bravery of victims is a driving force behind her efforts.
During the Labour party conference in Liverpool, Ms. Davies-Jones expressed her privilege and inspiration from meeting survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
She emphasized the collective effort required from all government departments, including Education, Health, Housing, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), to ensure the safety of women and girls in the country.
The strategy for the next decade will focus on not only providing funding for relevant policies but also on instigating cultural change, political leadership, and altering public perception to garner support for the cause.
Key policies to be included in this drive are measures like Raneem’s Law, which involves placing domestic abuse specialists in emergency response centers, legislation on various forms of abuse, and ensuring disclosure when sexual offenders change their identities.
Last year, Keir Starmer pledged to halve Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) within ten years. Recent data revealed alarming statistics, with nearly two in every 100 adults in England and Wales experiencing sexual assault in the period up to March.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), around 900,000 individuals over 16 years old encountered sexual assault or attempted offenses during that time frame. Additionally, one out of every eight women faced domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking.
The Minister also shared her encounters with remarkable women and how their stories continue to motivate her, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement in addressing such issues.
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