APCC keen to work with new national VAWG Lead Maggie Blyth
The APCCs’ Joint Victims Leads have welcomed the announcement that Maggie Blyth has been named the NPCC’s new national lead on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, and London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Sophie Linden, said: “We know that trust among women and girls in the criminal justice system is at all time low with the woefully low charge rates for rape and other sexual offences, and lengthy court delays for those brought to trial.
“We want all victims to feel safe coming forward to report crimes. PCCs are passionate about working with partners to make this a reality. Whilst there are no quick fixes, Maggie’s appointment as NPCC lead for VAWG comes with our full support as we know she too is committed to delivering a real step change across policing. We look forward to working with her and with wider policing and criminal justice partners on a shared agenda for change to ensure that women and girls get all the protection and support they need to ensure their safety.
“Meanwhile PCCs continue to press for the sort of radical action recently suggested by HMICFRS, including a new statutory duty on local agencies to tackle VAWG, as well as more sustainable funding for the services we commission to support victims of abuse.”