Violence against women and girls (VAWG) has reached epidemic levels in England and Wales in its scale, complexity and impact on victims, according to a new report by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing.

The research found that there has been a 37% increase in recorded VAWG-related crimes from 2018/19 to 2022/23. The report also estimated that at least one in every 12 women each year will be a victim of VAWG (2 million victims) and one in 20 adults in England and Wales each year will be a perpetrator of VAWG (accounting for 2.3 million perpetrators). Five key areas were identified where women and girls are facing the greatest threats: rape and serious sexual offences, domestic abuse, stalking and harassment, child sexual abuse and exploitation and online and tech-enabled VAWG. 

In addition to reporting on the greatest threats, the report also analysed the devastating effects of VAWG. It found that 75% of sexual assault survivors experience post-traumatic stress disorder and one in every six homicides between 2020 and 2023 were related to domestic abuse.

Responding to the data, the report found police have a responsibility to pursue perpetrators, prepare to support victims (including by implementing specialist training) and protect women and girls by upholding the Victims’ Code. In a foreword to the report, DCC Maggie Blyth, the deputy CEO of the College of Policing and National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for violence against women and girls, said that in response, police will “outline our commitment to provide enhanced support to our forces and frontline officers by establishing a national centre for public protection”, to carry out specialist training and support women and girls. However, DCC Blyth also acknowledges that while “we have worked hard to improve the public’s trust and confidence in policing […] we recognise there is more to do”.

While the robust response will be a welcome move to help tackle the epidemic, many will be scrutinising the police to ensure that the work is done to support women and girls and protect them, especially given that more than 1,100 police officers were under investigation for sexual or domestic abuse in England and Wales in 2023.

The 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line can be reached for free by calling 0808 500 2222 or visiting the Rape Crisis England & Wales website. If you need emergency help, call 999.

The 24-hour National Domestic Abuse helpline can also be contacted on 0808 2000 247 and further support can be accessed online via their website. 

Images: Getty