Action welcomed to tackle violence against women and girls in Lancashire
Commissioner Grunshaw backs new national measures
Clive Grunshaw, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, has warmly welcomed new national measures announced to tackle violence against women and girls.
These measures include the establishment of a national taskforce dedicated to combatting misogyny, alongside specialised courts for cases of rape and other sexual offences.
Grunshaw sees this as an enhancement of efforts already underway in Lancashire to prevent abuse, support victims, and ensure justice for offenders.
From national announcements, the creation of specialist rape courts stands out. These courts aim to provide better outcomes for victims and expedite cases through the criminal justice system, addressing backlogs that have caused delays and loss of public confidence.
Grunshaw's commitment to challenging harmful attitudes and supporting victims is evident in his initiatives, such as the 'Get the Message' campaign, which encourages community involvement in preventing violence against women and girls.
"Tackling violence against women and girls requires action on many fronts. We need strong enforcement to ensure offenders are brought to justice, but we also need to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that can allow abuse, harassment, and violence to occur in the first place," Grunshaw said.
"That is why I have launched initiatives such as my Get the Message campaign, which encourages everyone to play their part in preventing violence against women and girls and promoting safer communities. Changing attitudes and challenging unacceptable behaviour is just as important as responding when offences are committed," he added.
"Violence against women and girls has no place in Lancashire, and I welcome the Government's commitment to strengthening the national response to these offences," the Commissioner further stated.
Grunshaw emphasised his role in holding Lancashire Constabulary accountable for its response to these crimes, particularly the scrutiny of investigations into rape and serious sexual offences.
His Police and Crime Plan involves collaboration with partners across Lancashire to protect vulnerable people, support victims, and prevent harm, including campaigning for the recognition of domestic abuse-related suicide and advocating for changes such as Kiena's Law.
"Just as importantly, we want victims and survivors to know that support is available. Across Lancashire, we continue to invest in services that provide practical and emotional support to those affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, and other forms of violence against women and girls. We also need justice to be delivered as swiftly as possible, with these new courts aimed at speeding up the process, and utilising technology," Grunshaw said.
"Every victim has rights under the Victims' Code and should be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. Building confidence so that victims feel able to come forward, report abuse, and access support must remain at the heart of our efforts," Grunshaw emphasised.
For further details, information about domestic abuse support in Lancashire is available through Domestic Abuse Support Services Lancashire at dassl.org.uk.
The petition for Kiena's Law, which aims to enhance victim protections, can be accessed at change.org/kienas-law.