'I'm less likely to report a sexual assault now than four years ago'
As the government unveils it's new strategy, we're looking at some of the work done in North Yorkshire this year to tackle violence against women and girls
Last updated 31st Dec 2025
We're hearing reaction in North Yorkshire to the government's strategy to tackle violence against women and girls.
It includes giving teachers specialist training so they can spot misogyny. They'll also be teaching about healthy relationships.
Teachers will be given specialist training to talk to pupils about issues such as consent and children who show harm towards parents, siblings or in relationships will be signed up to behaviour change programmes.
Secondary school children as young as 11, mainly boys, could be sent on the anti-misogyny training courses if they exhibit concerning behaviour.
Ira Laketic-Ljubojevic is the Chief Executive of Kyra Women's project, who offer women support in York.
She said;
"You need to start from an early age, ideally it should come from families as well, the positive reinforcement of behaviours, that would then need to be enforced by schools.
"Children are like sponges, they just absorb the things around them.
What can be done to help?
In North Yorkshire, we've been speaking with survivors of abuse, charities and people who're trying to help tackle the problem of violence against women and girls.
When we spoke to Jamie Klinger - co-founder of Reclaim these Streets - following the murder of York woman Sarah Everard, she said;
"I would be less likely to report a sexual assault now than I was four years ago".
Stats show over 1000 cases of rape or serious sexual assault in the York & North Yorkshire area last year alone.
We went to a kickboxing class in York ahead of International Women's Day and spoke to Bramina Braet, who spoke about how she'd nearly sexually assaulted in the past
To mark White Ribbon day, we spoke to both victims of domestic abuse and a man who stepped in when he saw a woman being harassed on a train.
This year's theme for the day was 'Speak up' if you see sexist behaviour or harassment.
We also went to the opening of a new £3 million pound centre for victims of sexual assault in York back in March.
Acer House Victims’ Centre provides dedicated, modern facilities to better meet the needs of victims of rape and sexual assault.
People will receive immediate healthcare and a forensic medical examination if required at the Centre, to collect and document evidence.
The new Centre also has two Video-Recorded Interview suites for North Yorkshire Police to take statements from vulnerable victims and witnesses of any crime, including children and young people.
Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime said:
“Last year we know there were over 300 referrals to our Sexual Assault Referral Centre, hundreds more reports to the police of rape and sexual assault, and tragically, almost certainly many more cases that were never reported.
“The Mayor and I are determined to tackle the appalling levels of violence against women and girls in our region. As part of that work, it is vital women and girls feel safe to report incidences of rape and sexual assault.
“Providing victims with the best possible facility in which to support them and secure evidence is one way in which we are showing our commitment.
It's hoped now that everyone, including parents and teachers embrace the strategy, to try and make a positive difference.
Where to get support
If you've been a victim of violence or domestic abuse, you can contact IDAS by clicking here or you can call 03000 110 110.