A New Approach to Violence Against Women is Good. Now Victims Need Details
The Guardian, July 23, 2024
Background
Mina Smallman, a women's safety campaigner, shares insights from her role following the murder of her two daughters in London. She highlights the pervasive impact of violence against women, including rape and other serious assaults.
Current Statistics and Concerns
Violence against women is now a "national emergency." Approximately 2 million women experience male violence annually in England and Wales. Police data from March 2022 to March 2023 reports over 100,000 rapes and serious sexual offenses and more than 400,000 domestic abuse-related crimes. The frequency of these crimes has increased by 37% in recent years. Tech-enabled violence, such as online harassment and stalking, is rising.
Government and Police Response
The National Police Chiefs' Council emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach. Labour calls for a "whole-system approach" and "national effort" to address the issue. The police focus on sexual violence, partly in response to cases like Sarah Everard’s murder, and the sharing of inappropriate images by officers. Specialist teams to investigate and prosecute sexual crimes make a difference. Properly funded victim support needs to be seen as essential, not a luxury.
Challenges and Solutions
Public confidence in policing is affected by the handling of these crimes. There's a call for prioritizing online safety and tackling misogyny in schools. New initiatives include the use of deep-fakes and AI to protect women and children.
Conclusion
The focus on sexual violence is a positive step, but more detailed measures and effective public services are needed to address the widespread issue of violence against women and girls.
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