Archive analysis · July 2024, reviewed September 2026. This article responds to the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s 23 July 2024 statement. Its figures refer to the periods specified below; they are not 2026 totals.
Freedom Charity’s response to the 2024 policing statement
Introduction
In July 2024, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing published a national statement on violence against women and girls (VAWG) in England and Wales. It brought together police-recorded crime figures and estimates from other sources. Freedom Charity responded by drawing attention to forced marriage, FGM and Dishonour Abuse, including the importance of recognising risk before abuse escalates.
Key Findings from the NPCC Report
The NPCC’s July 2024 statement reported the following figures. The dates and populations matter when interpreting them:
- The NPCC estimated that at least one in 12 women experiences VAWG in a year; the true number may be higher.
- Police-recorded VAWG-related crime increased by 37% between 2018 and 2023.
- More than one million VAWG-related crimes were recorded in 2022/23, accounting for around 20% of all police-recorded crime that year.
- The NPCC said around one in six murders in 2022/23 was related to domestic abuse.
Daily Toll of Violence
The NPCC’s 2024 statement also gave an approximate daily equivalent for the recorded offences in the period examined:
- Approximately 3,000 VAWG-related offences were recorded per day in the period reported; this is not a current daily count.
- Domestic abuse, stalking, harassment, sexual assault, and controlling or coercive behaviour are among the most prevalent offences.
Risks beyond the headline figures
The policing response also depends on prevention, recognising risk early and work beyond the criminal justice system:
- Young people: Safeguarding work should identify harmful behaviour by children and young people without assuming every perpetrator is an adult.
- Online risk: Threats, surveillance and harmful content can extend abuse beyond the home. Schools, professionals and technology services have roles in identifying risk and supporting victims.
- Child sexual abuse and exploitation: The NPCC reported an increase of more than 400% in recorded child sexual abuse and exploitation between 2013 and 2022. That is a change in recorded offences, not an estimate of the number of victims.
Dishonour Abuse and safeguarding
Freedom Charity uses the term Dishonour Abuse for abuse carried out in the name of so-called honour. The established term “honour-based abuse” is also used in professional guidance. Forced marriage and FGM can be part of these patterns but have distinct safeguarding and legal considerations. In her original 2024 response, Aneeta Prem said:
“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
Freedom’s work includes the following routes to prevention and support for people at risk of forced marriage, FGM and Dishonour Abuse:
Education and Awareness
Freedom provides age-appropriate books, PSHE resources and school visits to help young people recognise coercion and know where to seek help. School staff remain responsible for safeguarding disclosures.
Support Services
Freedom’s specialist helpline provides information and support on forced marriage, FGM and Dishonour Abuse. In immediate danger in the UK, call 999.
Advocacy
Freedom Charity contributes to policy discussions and campaigns for stronger protection for people at risk. 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’s 2024 figures describe recorded crime and estimated victimisation for their stated reporting periods. They do not measure the prevalence of forced marriage, FGM or Dishonour Abuse on their own. Freedom’s response focuses on prevention, safe disclosure and practical support.
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 help with forced marriage, FGM or Dishonour Abuse, see Freedom’s helpline. For safeguarding education and training, visit Schools or Professionals. You can also support Freedom’s work.