Devon and Cornwall Police Pledge: New Measures to Combat Violence Against Women and Girls

In a move to enhance the safety of women and girls, Devon and Cornwall Police have pledged ongoing efforts to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). This follows the publication of a national policing statement by the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

Alarming Rise in VAWG Crimes

The statement highlights that over one million VAWG-related crimes were recorded in 2022/23, constituting 20% of all police-recorded crimes. Notably, online and tech-related VAWG incidents have surged by 37% between 2018/19 and 2022/23.

National Recommendations and Local Actions

The College of Policing and NPCC have put forth several national recommendations, advocating for a whole-system partnership approach to reduce offending. This involves collaboration between criminal justice partners, statutory agencies, charities, and the private sector to mitigate the scale and impact of VAWG-related crimes. Additionally, the establishment of a national Centre for Public Protection is recommended to help embed improvements across police forces.

Comprehensive Measures in Devon and Cornwall

Devon and Cornwall Police are committed to these national directives and have initiated various measures locally to address VAWG. Key activities include:

• Domestic Abuse Matters Programme: Delivered by Safe Lives, this programme aims to enhance the police response to domestic abuse and support victims through the criminal justice system.
• Operation Soteria: Focused on improving the police response to victims of rape and sexual offences, this initiative has resulted in more cases reaching court and better support for victims.
• Walk and Talk Programme: Following a successful six-month trial, this programme allows women to discuss unsafe areas with officers. It is now a permanent feature in both counties.
• Safe Spaces and Support Schemes: The Force supports the Safe Spaces scheme, the Ask Angela initiative, and the Ask for ANI (Assistance Needed Immediately) scheme in Boots and other pharmacies, providing safe havens for domestic violence victims.
• Project NightEye: This policing approach aims to create a hostile environment for sexual predators within the night-time economy.
• Community Safety Partnerships: The Force actively participates in community safety partnerships, safeguarding hubs, and both adult and child safeguarding boards.

A Unified Approach

Assistant Chief Constable Jim Pearce expressed strong support for the national statement, emphasising the importance of a unified approach. “We remain firmly committed to keeping women and girls safe across Devon and Cornwall and I welcome today’s statement which clearly states this issue can be addressed by all agencies working together in a whole system approach,” Jim Pearce stated.

Encouragement to Report Crimes

Jim Pearce also urged victims to come forward, highlighting that many offences still go unreported. “I would strongly encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward and speak to us. I can assure all women and girls in our communities that we will thoroughly investigate and offer them as much help and support as we can.”

How to Report

Victims can report incidents online at www.devon-cornwall.police.uk, by calling 101, or dialling 999 if a crime is in progress. Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

For further details on the national statement, visit Violence Against Women and Girls national policing statement.

Devon and Cornwall Police’s steadfast commitment to protecting women and girls demonstrates a significant step forward in tackling VAWG and ensuring safer communities.