Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Action Plan

South Wales Police take action to tackle violence against women and girls. Police & Crime Commissioner, Alun Michael, and Chief Constable, Peter Vaughan, have reaffirmed their commitment to significantly reduce violence against women and girls, with a joint-action plan. The aim is to build on existing work with partners to: Improve early identification and intervention Increase reporting by improving victim confidence Encourage prevention

Tackling violence against women and girls is a policing priority in the Commissioner’s 2014 Police and Crime Reduction Plan. The Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Action Plan is the result of a thematic review and aims to help those affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, female genital mutilation, trafficking, and so-called “honour” based crimes.

Gender-based violence is currently a priority due to the numbers of women and girls at risk but the Commissioner and Chief Constable are determined in their commitment to ensure all victims of abuse feel able to report crimes and are supported with the best possible service.

This work gives an opportunity to improve the safety of women and girls across South Wales by linking police action with the proposals of the Welsh Government in the forthcoming legislation on Ending Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.

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Take a look at  The South Wales Police Plan for Tackling Violence against Women and Girls 2014 -17

What is violence against women and girls?

Violence against women is defined by the United Nations as any act of gender based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women. This includes the threat of such violence, coercion or loss of freedom, whether it happens in public or private.

It includes:

• Domestic abuse
• Sexual violence, including sexual assault and sexual harassment
• Harmful practices (including forced marriage, female genital mutilation, female infanticide and so-called honour crimes)
• Trafficking
• Sexual slavery

What about violence against men?

We know that men and boys can also be affected by this type of abuse and are also victims of violence. We will ensure that the police continue to offer the best possible service and support to male victims. However, women are known to be disproportionately affected in terms of the number and seriousness of incidents and this is why we are focusing on violence against women and girls.

The Crime Survey for England and Wales says that nearly one in three women will have experienced domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime and nearly one in five women will have experienced some form of sexual violence.