Huge response to new VAWG advisory group

More than 50 applications have been submitted to join a new group that will advise police and scrutinise work to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Hertfordshire Constabulary announced it was setting up an independent advisory group (IAG) during The 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, which finished earlier this month (10 December).

The new group will help shape the constabulary’s policies and overall response to crime-related issues that disproportionately affect women, such as domestic abuse and sexual offences.

Due to demand, submissions have been closed while the current applications are processed. The constabulary will publicise any future opportunities as they arise.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Gilbertson said: “We asked for women with lived experience or with an interest in this area to come forward and help us. The response we have had has been overwhelming with more than 50 applications.

“We are incredibly grateful for the interest shown by the public in this important area. The applications are currently being processed and every applicant will be contacted in due course, if they have not been contacted already.”

She added: “All women have a right to feel safe in their homes and while out and about living their lives. We know men and boys can also be victims of abuse and violence and please be assured males will receive the same level of service if they report crime to us.

“However, victims of these sorts of crimes are much more likely to be female, and therefore it is key to understand their perspectives on policing, the criminal justice system and wider issues around public safety and what can be done to help protect them. This group will provide a voice for women on this issues that will be heard by police in Hertfordshire.”

Recent figures show that in Hertfordshire, 68% of victims of domestic abuse-related offences occurring in intimate relationships are female; 82% of child sexual abuse and exploitation cases relate to female victims; and 92% of victims of rape and serious sexual offences are female.

The IAG complements other initiatives that the constabulary is currently working on to improve its response to violence against women and girls.

Other schemes include training for frontline officers that includes women who have experienced domestic abuse, and Project Vigilant, that uses specially trained plain-clothed officers to target men who might be acting in a predatory way in the nighttime economy in Hertfordshire.

To find out more about work in this area go to our VAWG webpage.