APCC Victims Leads support the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women
Saturday (November 25), marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Supporting the campaign and the subsequent 16 Days of Action, APCC Joint Leads for Victims, Sophie Linden and Caroline Henry, said:
“Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a priority for every police and crime commissioner in the country. Every woman and girl has the right to feel safe and it is our shared responsibility as both citizens and community leaders to fight for a world in which they can live their lives freely and without fear.
“Victims of crime remain at the centre of everything we do as PCCs, and we continue to use our influence to secure survivors the justice and support they deserve to recover. Recognising that a whole system approach is needed, we have been instrumental in delivering change, lobbying for tougher management for the most dangerous abusers and new protections for victims. Across our communities, we also fund an array of specialist services to help victims cope with trauma and provide ongoing advice and advocacy through their criminal justice journey.
“Additionally, PCCs have secured significant extra funding for their areas through the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund to make public spaces safer, investing in enhanced CCTV coverage, training for pub and door staff to identify predatory behaviour and vital improvements to street furniture including lighting. These projects have been balanced with a range of prevention activities and behaviour change programmes in schools and workplaces to address the misogynistic and bigoted attitudes that underpin violence.
“The APCC offers its full support to the campaign and the 16 Days of Action and will be assisting colleagues over the coming days to drive home the message that violence of any kind has no place in our society.”
Ends
Notes for editors
- Caroline Henry is Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire.
- Sophie Linden is Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime in London.