The United Nations defines violence againstwomen as: ‘any act of gender-based violence thatresults in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, ormental harm or suffering to women, including threatsof such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty,whether occurring in public or in private life.’ Thisdefinition underscores the broad spectrum of violencethat women and girls face, ranging from physical andsexual abuse to psychological harm and coercion.
The statistics on violence against women and girls are staggering. According to UN Women and the UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) at least 51,000 women and girls were reported as murdered worldwide in 2023, with most killed by their partner or family member. This represents an increase from 48,800 recorded deaths in 2022, which may be attributed to improved data capture and reporting. In the UK, violence against women and girls has been described as a ‘national emergency,’ with a significant rise in violent crimes against this demographic. Between 2018 and 2023, there was a 37% increase in violent crimes against women and girls in England and Wales, with over one million crimes recorded in 2023 [1].
While the focus is often on cisgender women, it is crucial to acknowledge that transgender and genderfluid individuals are also at a heightened risk of violence. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) reported that 84% of fatalities within the transgender community were people of colour, with 61% of those being black trans-women [2]. This highlights the intersectionality of violence, where race, gender identity, and other factors compound the risk and its impact.
Goverment action and response
Additionally, the UK Government’s Crime and Policing Bill [4] includes provisions to combat violence against women and girls. One notable aspect is Raneem’s Law [5], named in memory of Raneem Oudeh and her mother Khaola Saleem, who were murdered by Raneem’s ex-husband in 2018.
Starting in 2025 a pilot scheme will:
- Introduce domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms to handle incoming calls reporting abuse.
- Aim to respond to such calls more quickly including using new technology such as video response.
- Launch a domestic abuse protection order pilot: orders will enforce abusers to stay away from their victims, with tougher sanctions (including custodial sentences) for violations of the orders.
- These will apply to all forms of domestic abuse including stalking & harassment.
- Enforce Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs). [6]
The pilot scheme only applies in Greater Manchester & three London Boroughs. National rollout is expected sometime in 2025.
Ways to help and be allies
To effectively combat violence against women and girls, it is essential for individuals and organisations to take practical steps and be active allies.
- Educate yourself and others: understanding the root causes of VAWG and recognising the signs of abuse are crucial first steps. Resources such as the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA)[12] offer guidance and support to employers in addressing domestic abuse through the workplace.
- Create safe spaces: ensure that workplaces, schools, and communities are safe environments where individuals feel protected and supported. This includes implementing zero-tolerance policies towards harassment and bullying.
- Support survivors: provide resources and support for survivors of domestic abuse, including access to safe housing, legal advice, and mental health services. Employers can offer ‘safe leave’ and other accommodations to help employees deal with the repercussions of abuse.
- Promote gender equality: actively promote gender equality and support women in leadership roles. This can help challenge harmful gender stereotypes and create a more inclusive and respectful culture.
- Collaborate with organisations: partner with organisations that specialise in combating VAWG and supporting survivors. This can include local shelters, advocacy groups, and legal aid organisations.
On 31 January 2025 the National Audit office published its report on tackling VAWG[8]. The key takeaways are:
- Prevalence of violence: At least 1 in 12 women are victims of gender-based violence annually, with 20% of all police-recorded crime in 2022-23 related to violence against women and girls (VAWG).
- Home Office efforts: The Home Office has made little progress in preventing VAWG and achieving long term societal change, despite introducing the VAWG Strategy in 2021 and the Domestic Abuse Plan in 2022.
- Leadership and coordination: The Home Office has struggled to lead an effective cross-government response, lacking buy-in from other departments and a clear understanding of resources devoted to VAWG.
- Commitments and progress: By July 2024, 78% of the 126 commitments from the VAWG Strategy and Domestic Abuse Plan were met, but many were not new or impactful. The Home Office is behind schedule on several commitments.
- Future strategy: The Labour government aims to halve VAWG within a decade, requiring strong leadership from the Home Office and a well-informed, cross government approach.
The role of employers and local authorities
Employers and local authorities play a critical role in addressing domestic abuse and supporting survivors. The concept of ‘safe leave,’ which allows employees to take paid time off to deal with the repercussions of domestic violence, is being legislated in Northern Ireland (NI)[9] and is under consideration in other parts of the UK. This NI initiative recognises the significant economic impact of domestic violence on businesses, with costs estimated to exceed £14 billion annually due to reduced productivity, absenteeism, and employee turnover[10]. Employers are encouraged to create a safe and supportive workplace environment, where victims of domestic abuse can seek help and feel protected.
This includes training HR personnel to recognise signs of abuse, providing resources and support, and fostering a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and harassment.
Stamping out harassment of any sort is high on the agenda, with the new duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of employees in the course of their employment now in force. There are also further protections against harassment in the pipeline under the Employment Rights Bill[11]. Employers can promote gender equality, supporting women in the workplace, and ensuring that the work environment is a safe space for all employees. Local authorities are now expanding support services to include safe housing, legal advice, and mental health support, with government funding promised to bolster these efforts.
Responding to the NAO report, Cllr Heather Kidd, Chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “Local government has a key role to play in preventing violence against women and girls and responding to it. Councils work hard to provide the support and safety needed by people who face this threat and want to work with government to improve outcomes for victims and survivors. However, long-term funding challenges continue to negatively impact on council’s ability to provide the essential services that make women and girls feel safe, empowered, and confident about their futures.”
The influence of social media and cultural factors
The shocking headlines surrounding Gisele Pelicot in France brought to light the disturbing reality of how seemingly normal and ordinary men can engage in acts of violence against women. Pelicot’s case shocked many and serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of VAWG. It raises critical questions about societal norms and the factors that contribute to such behaviour. How can individuals who appear to be ordinary members of society justify or rationalise such actions? This case underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of VAWG, including misogyny, sexism, the dehumanisation of women and the normalisation of violence through cultural and social influences. VAWG does not occur in isolation but is often fuelled by underlying misogyny and sexism, exacerbated by the influence of social media and public figures. The reach of influencers like Andrew Tate, who promote harmful gender stereotypes, can contribute to a culture that normalises violence against women.
Changing the narrative
Changing the narrative around VAWG involves challenging harmful stereotypes and promoting a culture of empathy and respect. Here are some ways to shift the conversation:
- Acknowledge the problem: recognise that VAWG is a widespread issue that affects many individuals. Avoid dismissive statements like “not all men” and instead focus on the fact that enough men are perpetrators to make this a significant problem.
- Promote empathy and understanding: encourage empathy and understanding by sharing stories of survivors and highlighting the impact of VAWG on individuals and communities. Education and awareness campaigns can help foster a more compassionate and informed society.
- Encourage positive role models: highlight positive role models who challenge harmful gender stereotypes and promote respectful behaviour. This can include public figures, community leaders, and everyday individuals who advocate for gender equality and respect.
- Implement comprehensive education: incorporate comprehensive education on gender equality, consent, and healthy relationships into school curriculums. This can help young people develop a better understanding of these issues and promote respectful behaviour from an early age.
- Support legislative and policy changes: advocate for legislative and policy changes that address VAWG and support survivors. This includes supporting initiatives like Raneem’s Law and the Take Back Our Streets campaign. By taking practical steps and working together as a society, we can make significant strides towards reducing, and ultimately eliminating, violence against women and girls.
References
[1] Violence against women and girls in the UK: a ‘national emergency’, ITN Business
[2] The epidemic of violence against the transgender and gender-expansive community in the US, Human Rights Campaign Foundation
[3] Take back our streets, The Labour Party
- The UK Government’s Crime and Policing Bill, ALARM
- New measures set out to combat violence against women and girls, GOV.UK
- Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs), GOV.UK
- Government crackdown on explicit deepfakes, GOV.UK
- Government’s efforts to address violence against women and girls have not yet improved outcomes for victims, NAO
- Domestic abuse ‘safe leave’ – how will it work and what does it mean for employers, Lewis Silkin
- The economic and social costs of domestic abuse, GOV.UK
- Employment Rights Bill, UK Parliament
- Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse, EIDA
