Report into violence against woman and girls in Plymouth to be released
We're told it will leave no stone unturned - following the murder of Bobbi-Anne McLeod
A commission, set up after the murder of Plymouth teenager Bobbi-Anne McLeod, is set to release a report into the issue of violence against women and girls.
The report is expected to make a string of recommendations including CCTV, education and better targeting of predators.
Officials behind the report say it will 'leave no stone unturned' and it is due to be published next week.
It comes following the murder of 18-year-old Bobbi-Anne.
On Thursday (19th May) her killer, Cody Ackland, was jailed for life at Plymouth Crown Court.
The 24-year-old will serve at least 31 years behind bars after brutally attacking the teenager last year.
Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Richard Bingley said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bobbi-Anne’s family and friends. We cannot begin to understand the pain and suffering that they are going through.
“We will firmly support our communities and emergency services to the utmost and provide help and assistance for those affected. We express our deep gratitude to the police officers and emergency service workers who have shown tremendous courage and compassion in dealing with this appalling crime.
“Our city council has published a web page outlining all the places that our people can access support. There is also a 24-hour Victim Support helpline on 0808 1689111 for anyone affected.”
"We are leaving no stone unturned"
Chair of the Violence Against Women and Girls Commission, Councillor Rebecca Smith, added: “What has been heard today is horrifying. The actions of this man are beyond belief and the impact of this appalling case will be felt across Plymouth and beyond.
“One of the remits of the Violence Against Women and Girls Commission we set up was to better understand the causes of male violence against women and girls. But the depravity of this crime has chilled each and every one of us.
“We knew this senseless murder really frightened women and young girls in Plymouth at the time it happened, which is why the Council established the Commission to look at the issue and to see what we as a city – and society – can do.
“There are no simple answers, but we want women and girls to know that together with the Police, and a host of other agencies in the city, we are working hard to try and ensure it never happens again.
“We are leaving no stone unturned. When we publish our report on 27th May we will be making a host of recommendations that will seek to not only drive the culture change needed to challenge male violence against women, but will look at better supporting women and girls who have been subjected to male violence and create safe places and spaces in the city.
“We are looking at a host of measures, from prevention measures like CCTV, to education, business support and how we target perpetrators. We want Plymouth to be a city where women and girls not only are safe, but feel safe.”
If you have been impacted by violence against women and girls, and need help and support, visit https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/plymouthsupportoffer
Find out more about what Plymouth is doing to keep women and girls safe, visit https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/newsroom/plymouthnews/saferstreetsplymouth
Smeaton's Tower was lit up orange on Thursday night - a colour recognised by UNESCO to unite the world and end all violence against women.