Police chiefs have issued a stark warning, citing an alarming statistic that two million women fall victim to violence at the hands of men each year, labeling it a “national emergency”. The crimes, ranging from stalking to domestic violence, affect one in 12 women in England and Wales, with recorded offenses increasing by 37% in the past five years.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) released the first national analysis of violence against women and girls (VAWG) on Tuesday, highlighting the scale of the issue and calling for urgent action. Young men are being radicalized online by influencers, prompting calls for technology companies to act swiftly in removing harmful content.
Additionally, the Guardian’s initiative, Killed Women Count, aims to shed light on women allegedly killed by men throughout 2024. The new prime minister, Keir Starmer, has pledged to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, emphasizing the need for specialized taskforces and support systems.
The NPCC report reveals alarming statistics, with 1 in 20 adults in England and Wales being perpetrators of VAWG annually. The report also highlights a significant increase in child sexual abuse and exploitation, raising concerns about the impact of extreme online material.
Amid growing urgency to address the crisis, police are calling for VAWG to be treated as seriously as terrorism, with efforts underway to improve outcomes and bring more offenders to justice. The push for government intervention and societal change underscores the need to tackle VAWG head-on and ensure the safety and empowerment of women and girls.