Deputy Mayor to hold summit to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls

The Government has pledged to halve violence against women and girls (“VAWG”) within a decade, and the National Police Chiefs’ Council have declared a national emergency as VAWG offences in England and Wales have increased by 37% in the last five years.

David Skaith, Mayor for York and North Yorkshire’s vision is to enable ‘healthy and thriving communities’, ensuring there are safe places for all by prioritising early intervention, tackling violence against women and girls, domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour and rural crime.

This Summit will kickstart that work in York and North Yorkshire, exploring how local agencies, organisations and communities can better work together to tackle the root causes and impact of VAWG, improve outcomes for victims and survivors and rebuild trust in policing and the criminal justice process.

Chaired by Jo Coles, alongside a panel of expert speakers who will share their specialist knowledge, existing practice, and local challenges. Sessions will be underpinned by vital insights and challenge from those with lived experience.

The OPFC has also produced a sort video, highlighting the work being done by our partner organisations in combatting Violence Against Women and Girls

(2) Violence Against Women and Girls, what we’ve achieved – YouTube

Jo Coles, York and North Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime said:

“Addressing the appalling levels of violence against women and girls across our area is a top priority for the Mayor and I as we develop our police and crime plans for the next 4 years.

“We’re both committed to delivering the healthiest and safest possible communities across the whole of York and North Yorkshire and want everyone in our region to have the opportunity to thrive.

“The Summit is an opportunity to bring together professionals from across policing, criminal justice and the voluntary and community sectors to identify any gaps, in our current provision and support for victims, and to work out how we can better collaborate to better support women and girls across York and North Yorkshire.”

Key Objectives for the day

• Better understand the lived experience of victims and survivors in York and North Yorkshire

• Develop the vision for our joint strategy to tackle violence against women and girls in York and North Yorkshire

• Identify how we can work better together under a joint strategy to deliver our shared priorities and statutory duties in relation to serious violence, safeguarding and domestic and sexual abuse.
• Showcase innovative local projects and explore best practice from other areas.

To find out more about our current VAWG Strategy and an overview of outcomes achieved since the launch in June 2022, please visit the OPFCC website: Addressing violence against women and girls in North Yorkshire & City of York