New commission to tackle violence against women and girls in Plymouth
It's holding its first meeting today
Last updated 10th Jan 2022
A panel of experts aiming to tackle violence against women and girls in Plymouth is meeting for the first time today (Monday 10 January).
The commission was set up following the shootings in Keyham and the death of Bobbi-Anne McLeod in the city last year.
It includes representatives from police, local councils and universities, as well as former chief crown prosecutor Nazir Afzal.
As part of their work, they'll hearing from victims of domestic abuse, and finding out what more needs to be done.
"We cannot let this continue"
Chair of the Commission, Councillor Rebecca Smith, said: “Last year we saw the tragic murders of a number of women in our city at the hands of men.
"This kind of crime is not unique to Plymouth, however as we heard at our virtual Q and A in December 2021, many women and girls sadly do still feel fear, intimidation, harassment and helplessness on a regular basis.
"We cannot let this continue.
“Too often the responsibility for tackling male violence against women and girls falls on women. In Plymouth, we want to tackle this issue at the root, whilst supporting anyone who is a victim of this type of crime.
“We have put together an extensive panel of experts from across Plymouth and beyond, who are all committed to the same goal, and I look forward to working with them over the weeks and months ahead."
As part of the work of the Commission a full engagement programme will be launched, inviting local organisations who work with female victims of violence and residents across the city to hear more about their experiences and their recommendations about what more needs to be done.