Government unveils new strategy to tackle violence against women
CEO of FearFree reacts to the newly released plans
A domestic abuse charity supporting survivors across the South West has welcomed the Government's new strategy on tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG).
Debbie Beadle, CEO of Wiltshire-based Fear Free, says it's a significant step forward but expressed the need for a more holistic approach across different sectors of society.
"It is very welcome," Ms Beadle said. "We would still like to see a strategy that reaches across health, policing, and schools.
"For example, it’s welcome that teaching healthy relationships in secondary schools is now mandatory, but this education should continue throughout schooling, as children and young people are particularly vulnerable during this time.”
The Government has moved to ensure young people are taught about healthy relationships at school, with lessons to become mandatory.
Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips said: "For too long the scale of violence against women and girls has been treated as a fact of life in our country.
"I am determined our ground-breaking strategy will prevent women and girls from actually being harmed in the first place.
"But a strategy is just words and we know words are not enough. What matters is action.
"Put together, we will deploy the full power of the state to introduce the largest crackdown to stop violence perpetrated against women and girls in British history."
Schools and police play key roles
Ms Beadle highlighted that addressing issues among children and young people is central to reducing violence against women.
“Children are our future generation," Ms Beadle said. "Teaching them how to respect each other, form healthy relationships, and seek support early on is key to addressing this issue. But we can’t just say it’s up to the next generation; this requires accountability within the whole community."
She praised the planned introduction of specialist rape and sexual violence teams in all police forces by 2029, noting the importance of training officers to listen to and believe victims.
Funding outlined in the strategy
One aspect of the strategy that Ms Beadle welcomed was the £19 million in additional funding to councils to support accommodation for victims of domestic abuse.
“This funding is really welcome, especially given the challenges charities like ours face to run essential services on behalf of councils,” Ms Beadle said.
She emphasised the ongoing need for additional resources, such as refuge spaces and support structures, to help survivors rebuild their lives.
"Such a small percentage of people can access the accommodation they need right now," Beadle explained. "Hopefully this funding will make a tangible difference. But we need to see these changes not just for victims but also tackling perpetrators, so survivors can feel safe in their own homes.”
Turning the strategy into action
The government has previously committed to halving abuse over the next decade.
Ms Beadle, says it is essential that words from the strategy are transformed into real-world action.
“What we now need is for the strategy to jump off the page and come to life," Ms Beadle said. "This goes for both the funding and the operational side. It’s vital for organisations like ours to be able to take action and safeguard victims of abuse effectively."