Violence against women and girls (VAWG) in England and Wales has reached epidemic levels, according to a major report by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). The report urges that police forces prioritize their response to this issue on par with terrorism and organized crime.
Rising Violence and Staggering Statistics
The report estimates that at least one in every 12 women will be a victim of VAWG annually, totaling 2 million victims each year. Similarly, one in every 20 adults will perpetrate this violence. Crimes such as rape, domestic abuse, stalking, and harassment have surged by 37% over the past five years, prompting the UK Home Office to classify VAWG as “a national threat to public safety.”
National Emergency and Government Response
Maggie Blyth, the NPCC’s lead for VAWG, described the situation as a “national emergency,” highlighting the scale, complexity, and impact on victims. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to halve violence against women and girls. The report identified five critical threats, with an estimated 3,000 VAWG-related crimes recorded daily across England and Wales.
Detailed Crime Figures and Trends
In the year ending March 2023, police recorded over 100,000 rape and serious sexual offenses, more than 400,000 domestic abuse-related crimes, approximately 436,000 stalking and harassment offenses, and over 40,000 child sexual abuse and exploitation offenses. The report suggests these numbers are cautious estimates, as many crimes go unreported. Among the 2 million annual victims, 1.4 million experience domestic abuse, with one in six homicides being domestic abuse-related.
Challenges in Addressing Perpetrators
Despite the increasing number of crimes, perpetrators are often not held accountable. As of March 2023, only 4.4% of domestic abuse cases recorded by police resulted in a conviction. Factors contributing to this include limited prison capacities and significant court backlogs. The report also noted a 435% increase in child sexual abuse and exploitation between 2013 and 2022, with over half of the cases committed by children.
Calls for Government Support and Systemic Change
The UK’s Minister for Safeguarding, Jess Phillips, labeled VAWG as a “national emergency” and a “threat” to Britain’s security and prosperity. Blyth emphasized the need for government intervention and a whole-system approach to address the current problems within the criminal justice system and improve outcomes for victims.
The NPCC is committed to turning the tide on violence and abuse faced by women and girls and is seeking comprehensive government support to lead the way in this critical endeavor.