Concerns & call to action over government decision
The Government has embarked on a policy to create two separate strategies on Violence Against Women and Girls and Domestic Abuse: Why we are concerned and what can be done about It?
The Government has decided to create two strategies – one on Violence Against Women and Girls (the VAWG strategy) and another on Domestic Abuse (Domestic Abuse strategy). We believe this move has no sound basis in evidence and will set back the cause for women’s rights.
Many of us have made our concerns known to the Minister for Safeguarding directly, Victoria Atkins, but the Government is pushing ahead with its decision and has started a consultation process on the VAWG strategy. You can find more details about the VAWG strategy call for evidence here.
We stand with Southall Black Sisters and many more in the VAWG sector and join our support in making public our concerns. We are also asking for your support in urging the Government to reconsider its approach. If you share our concerns, please consider supporting us in the following ways:
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Sign the public statement which is hosted on the Southall Black Sisters website: https://southallblacksisters.org.uk/news/sbs-and-womens-organisations-alarmed-by-government-dual-strategy-vawg/ (this will be made available on our websites)
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Please use the statement or the Email template – VAWG Strategy to write to Victoria Atkins and the Consultation team asking them to reconsider the Government’s approach. Their email contacts are: Victoria@victoriaatkins.org.uk and VAWGStrategy2021@homeoffice.gov.uk
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Please use the Email template – VAWG Strategy to ask your MP to ask questions in Parliament. There has been no consultation or transparency concerning the decision to adopt a dual strategy approach to combatting gender-based violence. You can find your MP and their contact details here.
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If you are engaging in the consultation process, please make clear at the outset that you disagree with the dual strategy approach and urge the Government to adopt a single framework for tackling VAWG that includes domestic abuse.
