Today is White Ribbon Day and the start of the 16 Days of Activism, two very important occasions in highlighting Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). White Ribbon Day aims to address the behaviours and attitudes of men to try to combat these despicable offences committed against women and girls, encouraging men to hold themselves accountable to bring about positive change and transform harmful cultures. The campaign calls for men and boys to be allies of women and girls and stop violence before it starts.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign, also challenging violence against women and girls. This year, the campaign will also draw attention to the alarming escalation of this violence, something which has rightly assumed further prominence at a national level this summer when the National Police Chiefs’ Council stated violence against women and girls had reached epidemic levels in terms of its scale, complexity and impact on victims. The NPCC launched the ‘Prepare, Protect, Pursue, Prevent’ strategy, a national whole-system approach which I wholeheartedly welcomed. I have always believed and continue to believe that the issue of VAWG goes much further than simply robust enforcement from the police. It must encompass education, early intervention, better opportunities for safeguarding and societal shifts as well, which is why a whole-system approach is absolutely vital.

In Dorset, we know this approach works and I am committed to driving this forward, alongside the police and our partners. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I established the VAWG scrutiny panel, which has now been running for just over a year. This does the vital job of reviewing the handling of public contact relating to VAWG cases such as rape, stalking and domestic abuse to ensure these reports are being handled appropriately. This is alongside Rape and Serious Sexual Offence (RASSO) scrutiny panels to ensure investigation standards and victim service is maintained. I have also commissioned victim services including Victim Support, The Shores – Dorset Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), and STARS Dorset to ensure high quality care for all victims of these distressing crimes. Significant Safer Streets funding has also been assigned to provide further support for initiatives to tackle VAWG across Dorset, building upon the work already being carried out by partners.

Alongside these measures and initiatives, I also chair the Dorset Criminal Justice Board, to do exactly what is being proposed nationally with VAWG; engender a better understanding between partners and progress shared objectives and issues which affect the partnership as a whole. We have seen improved outcomes for Dorset residents as a result of working closely together, and I remain dedicated to ensuring this continues.

Work across our county to tackle VAWG is intensive. Due to its nature, often this work goes unseen but I can assure you it involves community safety partnerships and multi-agency working alongside robust scrutiny and enforcement. All agencies are aligned in our determination to not only deliver positive changes, but to provide high-quality intervention and support for victims.

This was evident at a VAWG conference organised by my Office in the summer, which focused on keeping our children and young people safe, particularly those aged 0-11 years old. In targeting the event on the very beginning of a child’s life, it allowed discussion and information around healthy relationships and appropriate behaviours, and thanks to the brilliant speakers from the OPCC, Dorset Police, The Shores and STARS, as well as Paragon, it provided quality information and feedback to build upon for the future.

During the 16 Days of Activism, I will be highlighting some of the initiatives in action in Dorset which are working to bring about the changes we are all determined to see. From Safer Streets projects, to services commissioned by my office which are making a real difference to women and girls, I want to shine a light on what is happening in our county to tackle these abhorrent crimes and support victims of crime.

I have always been very clear; it is not up to women and girls to find ways to stay safe. We need to push for change across our society and tackle the deep issues which lead to so many men committing crimes against women. Getting to the root of this behaviour is the only way we can deal with the issue of violence against women and girls for the sake of our future generations. As the White Ribbon Day campaign itself states, it starts with men. Help be part of the change we all want, to ensure women and girls are safe, and feel safe, whether on a night out or in their own homes.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner

- Find out more about White Ribbon Day here