More than 50 organizations dedicated to eradicating violence against women are seeking clarity on how the Government plans to fulfill its election commitments. Concerns have been raised by experts over the delay in releasing a violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategy, more than a year after the Labour Party assumed power. Upon entering office in July last year, Keir Starmer pledged to reduce VAWG by half within a decade.
Advocates have expressed dismay over a funding shortfall for support services and a concerning emphasis on blaming migrants. Andrea Simon, Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), emphasized the urgency of addressing the root causes of abuse rather than unfairly targeting migrants. She urged political leaders to prioritize resolving the funding crisis for vital support services and investing in prevention efforts.
The organizations emphasized the need for the forthcoming strategy to adopt a public health approach, focusing on education and awareness campaigns to change behaviors. They also stressed the necessity of a comprehensive government response to the VAWG crisis, including funding for specialized services to prevent refuges from turning away domestic abuse survivors.
Additionally, the groups called for dedicated funding for marginalized communities and urged all government departments to play a role in combating VAWG. They highlighted the importance of recognizing the unique challenges faced by different groups of women and girls and ensuring inclusive access to support and justice.
Ciara Bergman, the chief executive of Rape Crisis England & Wales, underscored the critical role of services like Rape Crisis Centers in supporting survivors and facilitating their recovery. Without these essential services, justice for victims and the fulfillment of their needs would be significantly compromised.
Ghadah Alnasseri, executive director of Imkaan, emphasized the often-overlooked plight of marginalized groups and emphasized the importance of inclusive and comprehensive government strategies that leave no one behind. She stressed that specialist services are indispensable for marginalized survivors and play a crucial role in ensuring equal access to safety.
A Home Office spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to halving violence against women and girls within a decade, highlighting the forthcoming cross-government strategy aimed at pursuing offenders, supporting victims, and preventing future crimes. The spokesperson confirmed that the strategy is in its final stages of preparation and will be published soon.