Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls

35% of women across the world experience violence in their lifetimes. According to Government estimates, one in five women has experienced sexual assault and over one in four have experienced domestic abuse in the UK. Furthermore, 137,000 girls and women are living with the consequences of FGM and 60,000 girls under the age of 15 are at risk of FGM. Violence against women and girls (VAWG) has detrimental consequences for its victims – one sixth of homeless women expressed that domestic violence contributed to their homelessness, and 41% of women in prison have experienced domestic violence and/or sexual abuse.

In response to the growing challenges of VAWG, the Government published a national strategy entitled Ending Violence against Women and Girls: Strategy 2016 – 2020, to challenge traditional harmful practices and increase reporting by 2020. Additionally, stressing that VAWG is ‘everyone’s business’, the Government have allocated £80m to facilitate a multi-agency response. The strategy stresses the importance of early intervention, by focusing on challenging social norms and educating young people about healthy relationships, abuse and consent.

This symposium will offer local authorities, police officers, women’s rights organisation and other key stakeholders with a timely and invaluable opportunity to share knowledge and best practice to collectively strengthen our response to VAWG.

Delegates will:

• Evaluate the implementation of Ending Violence against Women and Girls: Strategy 2016 – 2020
• Investigate effective strategies to increase prosecution rates and tackle under reporting
• Share best practice on how to support survivors of VAWG access high-quality specialist services
• Explore the role of the voluntary and community sector in delivering effective localised support
• Address how those who are at risk of violence are affected by heightened vulnerability factors
• Explore the importance of partnership working and discuss how best to implement effective multi-sector collaboration
• Discuss VAWG warning signs and train relevant actors to recognise them
• Consider the role of schools in preventing VAWG and ensure programmes are in place to facilitate positive Sex and Relationships Education

To view the brochure, including the full event programme, click here.

In the meantime, to ensure your organisation is represented, please book online at your earliest convenience in order to secure your delegate place(s).