Statement in response to the new VAWG Strategy launched by the Home Office
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said:
“We finally have a new national strategy – one that recognises VAWG as the serious threat that it is – and crucially recognises the parts the whole of society can play to improve safety for our women and girls in the future.
“While I welcome the approach, I’m proud Northumbria is already leading the way with how we put victims first, prioritise prevention, target perpetrators early, and work hand-in-hand with partners and communities to improve response and systems. We were at the forefront of introducing domestic abuse specialists in our control rooms, have long had a specialist rape investigation unit and have a range of policing operations that seek out predatory behaviours before harm happens. All this, and more, is designed to boost victim confidence, and get ahead before the harm takes hold.
“Our own local VAWG strategy already recognises the need to tackle root causes and educate people. The issue is about so much more than enforcement – we need long-term culture change. That’s why my office has long been championing work around training, awareness campaigns and bystander education – all designed to shift attitudes and encourage reporting.
“A stand out focus of the strategy is clearly our young people – and the role of our schools. We already commission a range of educational inputs and resources working closely with partners such as the Alice Ruggles Trust and Rape Crisis Tyne and Wear and through the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit schools can sign up to the popular Pol-Ed programme designed to enhance learning around healthy relationships and the law. We support the whole school approach laid out in the strategy and as an office believe we have lots in place that can benefit local schools helping teachers tackle misogyny in the classroom. I am pleased Government is investing in this work and training to support it.
“Let’s be clear though, tackling these crimes requires more than words — it demands partnership and sustained action – and I know we are already committed to this in our region. I look forward to building on this work to make the Government’s strategy real on the ground.”
