Listening Circles announced as Wiltshire Police’s next VAWG step
Wiltshire Police want to encourage underrepresented groups to speak out
Wiltshire Police have announced their next step in tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG).
Listening Circles are being launched to encourage groups of women and girls who don’t regularly come forward to do so.
Wiltshire Police’s VAWG lead, DS Sarah Robbins, said Listening Circles will give people an opportunity to speak out:
“It’s important we hear from all in our communities, especially those in the underrepresented groups we have identified. For whatever reason, those we seldom hear from.”
DS Robbins added that the only way to get a full county picture is to hear from as many people as possible.
Research highlighted these groups as underrepresented in coming forward:
• Younger women and girls aged between 18 – 24
• Older women aged 65 and over
• Women and girls of ethnic minority groups.
Tackling violence against women and girls a 'key priority'
Listening Circles will also encourage feedback and recommendations for the Force, so they can improve their response to these crimes.
For Wiltshire PCC Philip Wilkinson, tackling violence against women and girls is a ‘key priority’ for him.
“We will not be complacent and think we are doing enough. I would urge people to have their voice heard by signing up to a Listening Circle and, in turn, help Wiltshire Police and the support services my office commissions to respond more effectively to those crimes,” Mr Wilkinson said.
He added that restoring trust and confidence in policing will take time, and recognised the progress the Force has made in the last year.
People interested in registering for Listening Circles can do so here.
Anyone who has been a victim of crime or witnessed a crime can call 999 in an emergency, 101 if you are not in immediate danger or fill in an online crime report on the Wiltshire Police website.