: Freedom Charity Calls for Action
Introduction
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has released a comprehensive analysis revealing the shocking scale of violence against women and girls (VAWG) in England and Wales. Freedom Charity, Aneeta Prem, responds to these findings and highlights the urgent need for action, particularly in addressing dishonour-based violence.
Key Findings from the NPCC Report
The NPCC report paints a grim picture of VAWG, with startling statistics that underscore the severity of the issue:
- An estimated 2 million women fall victim to male violence each year in England and Wales.
- Approximately 1 in 12 women are affected by VAWG annually.
- Recorded offences have increased by 37% in the past five years.
- 20% of all police-recorded crimes – more than 1 million offences a year – are categorised as VAWG.
- One in six homicides in England and Wales are linked to domestic abuse, accounting for about 100 out of 590 homicides in the year to March 2023.
Daily Toll of Violence
The NPCC data, when broken down, reveals a disturbing daily picture:
- Approximately 3,000 VAWG offences are recorded each day.
- Domestic abuse, stalking, harassment, sexual assault, and controlling or coercive behaviour are among the most prevalent offences.
Emerging Trends with Alarming Rise in Violence Against Women and Girls
The report highlights several concerning trends that require immediate attention:
- Younger Perpetrators: There is a worrying trend of younger individuals committing acts of violence, challenging the assumption that violence declines with age.
- Influence of Online Content: The growing influence of online content in shaping negative attitudes towards women is a significant concern. Police chiefs are calling for swifter action from technology companies to remove extreme material.
- Increase in Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation: There are alarming increases in child sexual abuse and exploitation, with offences committed by children rising to 55.6% of the total between 2013 and 2022.
Honour-Based Violence: A Hidden Crisis
While the NPCC report focuses on various forms of VAWG, Freedom Charity emphasises the often-overlooked issue of dishonour-based violence. This includes forced marriages, female genital mutilation (FGM), and other forms of abuse called dishonour. @AneetaPrem, states:
“Dishonour violence remains a significant yet under-reported aspect of VAWG. These crimes often go undetected due to cultural barriers and fear of reporting. It’s crucial that we shine a light on these issues and provide targeted support to victims and those at risk.”
Freedom Charity’s Response
In light of these findings, Freedom Charity is intensifying its efforts to combat all forms of VAWG, with a particular focus on dishonour-based violence:
Education and Awareness
Freedom Charity continues to expand its educational programmes in schools, raising awareness about dishonour-based violence, forced marriages, and FGM. These programmes are designed to educate young people about the dangers and signs of these practices, empowering them to seek help if needed.
Support Services
Freedom Charity operates a helpline providing confidential advice and support to victims and those at risk of dishonour-based violence and forced marriages. This service is crucial in offering immediate assistance and guidance to those in need.
Advocacy
Freedom charity works tirelessly to influence policy and legislation to better protect victims . This includes lobbying for stronger laws and more effective enforcement against these practices.
Community Engagement
Freedom Charity engages with communities to challenge harmful practices and promote gender equality. By working within communities, the charity aims to change attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate violence against women and girls.
A Call for Collaborative Action
Prem emphasises the need for a coordinated response:
“The NPCC report underscores the urgent need for action. At Freedom Charity, we’re committed to working alongside law enforcement, government agencies, and other organisations to address all forms of violence against women and girls, including dishonour-based violence.”
She adds, “We must remember that behind these statistics are real women and girls whose lives are profoundly affected. It’s our collective responsibility to create a society where every woman and girl can live free from the threat of violence.”
Conclusion
The NPCC report serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of violence against women and girls in our society. Prem continues to play a crucial role in addressing these issues, particularly in tackling the often-hidden problem of dishonour-based violence.
As the charity intensifies its efforts in education, support, and advocacy, it calls on all sectors of society to join in the fight against VAWG. Only through collective action can we hope to create a safer, more equitable society for all women and girls.
For more information about Freedom Charity and its work, or to access support, visit www.freedomcharity.org.uk.