New plan to combat violence against women and girls – Newsroom

Essential partnership and early intervention to provide support before violence escalates are among the priorities of a new plan to protect women and girls in Croydon from violence.

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is one of the most significant crimes in Croydon, harming many residents each year. Executive Mayor Jason Perry has made combating VAWG a key priority in his business plan.

The new delivery plan, which was approved by Cabinet on Wednesday 24 July, sets out an action plan to make Croydon safer for women and girls. It will help improve services and address barriers that prevent women from accessing them.

Croydon Council worked with key partners – such as the police, probation, health, education, voluntary and charity groups – and residents to listen to their views and inform the priorities, which are:

1. Strengthening prevention and earlier intervention through community education and early support.
2. It pursues the perpetrators (led by the District Commander of Police) holding them accountable for their actions and ensuring they face justice.
3. Supporting and protecting survivors and their families; providing services to help them rebuild their lives.
4. Working in partnership and improving the community response (led by Safe Neighborhood Council representatives) – working with local organizations and the community to deliver a collective response.

The report also highlights some of the achievements already this year, including the Family Justice Service’s VAWG hub (formerly the Family Justice Center) handling 1,500 referrals a year and training over 200 practitioners a year in partner organizations in how to identify domestic and sexual abuse. violence.

Read more information and support about domestic violence or contact the Family Justice Service (FJS) on the council’s website.

“In Croydon, we believe that every woman and girl has the right to live free from violence and fear. Our community is coming together to make this a reality.

“We are setting out how the council will work with our voluntary and community partners – which is crucial – to give victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence the support they need, when they need it.

“We are calling on everyone in Croydon to get involved in our delivery plan, support victims and stand together against violence. If you or someone you know is affected by violence, get help. Visit our website for more information on the services available.”

Jason Perry, Chief Executive of Croydon