Fawcett welcomes launch of Government's Violence against Women and Girls Strategy

The Fawcett Society (1) together with the other members of the EVAW Coalition (2) welcomes the launch of the Government’s violence against women strategy. The EVAW Coalition has long campaigned for a strategy addressing all forms of violence against women.

Violence is a reality for many women living in the UK today. It is estimated that 3 million women across the UK experience rape and sexual assault, domestic violence, sexual harassment, forced marriage, trafficking, or other forms of violence each year (3). Violence against women is a cause and a consequence of gender inequality.

The strategy is an important step forward. However, the real success of the strategy will be judged upon whether:

• It is truly Cross-Government with joined up working, policies and services across Government departments;
• Supported by a long term funding commitment so that women can access the women-only services they need in their local area; and
• It creates long term changes in attitudes which underpin and tolerate violence against women and girls.

Ceri Goddard, Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society, commented:

"Today’s announcement, the fruit of many years of hard work by the EVAW coalition, is an important step forward in  tackling the scandalous level of violence still experienced by women in UK today. It is high time the Government stepped up to fulfil its obligation to women to protect their fundamental human right to live free from the threat and reality of violence.

We are particularly pleased to see that the strategy includes a commitment to a communication strategy to challenge attitudes that underpin and condone violence against women. But if the Government are really serious this must be of the same size and magnitude of public awareness campaigns such as those targeting drink driving.

The strategy is an important first step but Fawcett will continue to work with EVAW to ensure  all government departments now take action on this issue and that commitments are backed up by adequate funding – in particular for the frontline services for women who need safety and support.”

For further information, contact EVAW on 020 7033 1559 or Fawcett on 020 7253 2598  

 Notes to editors

(1) The Fawcett Society is the UK’s leading campaign for equality between women and men www.fawcettsociety.org.uk

(2) The End Violence Against Women (EVAW) Coalition - A national coalition of individuals and organisations calling on government, public bodies and others to take concerted action to end violence against women. See www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/

(3) http://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/