Statement from PCC on NPCC National Policing Statement on Violence Against Women and Girls
The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) have today released a statement outlining the scale of violence against women and girls (VAWG) in England and Wales in a national policing statement bringing together comprehensive data and analysis.
You can read the NPCC's full statement here.
In response, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I share the determination shown by the College of Policing and National Police Chiefs’ Council to deal with the issue of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in policing and wider society with the launch of their ‘Prepare, Protect, Pursue, Prevent’ strategy.
“A national whole-system approach is entirely welcome, particularly as I have always believed this issue goes much further than simply robust enforcement from the police. A consistent, well-defined, and managed partnership strategy will ensure early intervention and better opportunities for safeguarding, efficient communication and importantly, vital progress in fighting these despicable crimes.
“In Dorset, I know this approach works, not just in tackling VAWG, but regarding other areas of crime such as rural and business crime for example. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I have established the VAWG scrutiny panel and I chair the Dorset Criminal Justice Board to do exactly what is being proposed nationally with VAWG; engender a better understanding between partners, progress shared objectives and issues which affect the partnership as a whole, and crucially, we have seen improved outcomes for Dorset residents as a result of working closely together.
“I do want to offer some reassurance to the people of Dorset that the work in our county to tackle VAWG is already intensive. It involves community safety partnerships, multi-agency working and proper robust enforcement and scrutiny of the processes. There is of course, always more to be done, but I know that alongside our partners, charities, and other agencies we are all aligned in our ultimate objective to deliver positive changes for the people of Dorset.
“As a society, we cannot let any more time pass; we all need to stand up and reject the scourge of violence against women and girls and make absolutely clear it will not be tolerated. It is only through having one unified voice and a collaborative approach bringing together experts and agencies from across the board, along with tough enforcement that will we ensure the destructive perpetrators who commit these abhorrent crimes are dealt with once and for all.”