Two new strategies to tackle violence against women and girls in Cornwall
They'll focus on things like prevention, education and support for survivors
Two new five-year strategies have launched in Cornwall to end abuse and violence against women and girls.
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (CIOS) safeguarding organisations say it's to address what they describe as a 'public emergency'.
The strategies were produced by the four statutory boards in CIOS with responsibility for community safety, safeguarding adults and children, and health and wellbeing, and the associated organisations represented by these boards.
Cllr Carol Mould, Portfolio Holder – Community Safety, Cornwall Council, said: "Our ambition is for Cornwall to be a place where abuse and violence are not tolerated, where everyone can expect equality and respect, and live free from fear.
"We aim to strengthen our approach to prevention; increase access and support for victims and survivors; improve the justice response and extend our behaviour change work for those displaying abusive behaviour; and work together to ultimately, reduce the prevalence of domestic abuse, sexual abuse and violence against women and girls."
The Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy is the first of its kind to be published by the CIOS boards.
Cllr Thalia Marrington, Chair of VAWG cross-party working group, Cornwall Council, said: "Acts of violence against women and girls (VAWG) are interconnected and part of a spectrum of violence underpinned by inequality, male power and control. Each act reinforces that VAWG is a ‘normal’ experience tolerated by society.
"Alongside the strategy, we have a cross-party working group to confront the patriarchy, sexism and misogyny endemic in our society and culture; to raise awareness and to get everyone involved in ending male violence against women and girls."
Both the VAWG strategy and the new Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (DASV) strategy aim to take a preventative approach by challenging societal causes of abuse and tackling root causes through education, awareness and early identification and support.
The whole community approach strives to promote better knowledge and understanding of abuse, support healthy relationships and tackle the attitudes and beliefs that underpin DASV and VAWG.
The strategies focus on:
- Prevention and education
- More support for survivors and better access to it
- More collaboration between organisations to share knowledge and expertise
- Raising awareness so people in our communities are better informed and can spot the signs of abuse
Cllr Andy Virr, Portfolio Holder – Health and Wellbeing, Cornwall Council, said: "Joining up on strategy and services will make a difference for residents across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
"The impacts of domestic and sexual abuse and violence against women and girls are great – for individual survivors and their families and children, and for our wider society including the costs of health, police and other service responses. It is imperative we promote a person-first approach and strive for a healthy Cornwall in every way."
In the autumn, a conference is planned in Cornwall to promote the strategies and celebrate the best, innovative practice from around the county.