Thames Valley’s Police and Crime Commissioner voices support for female domestic abuse victims for White Ribbon Day

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has vowed to bring “more offenders to justice” for White Ribbon Day, an annual campaign raising awareness of male violence against women.

The campaign addresses combat crimes such as domestic abuse, rape and sexual violence, stalking and honour based abuse.

The Office of National Statistics reported that the victims of crimes such as domestic abuse and rape are overwhelmingly female.

Additionally, the year ending March 2020 saw that 74 per cent of victims of all domestic abuse recorded crimes were women.

Women also significantly more likely than men to be victims of rape and sexual assault.

PCC Matthew Barber said: “Crimes such as domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault are devastating for victims and can cause long-term emotional harm.

“It’s vital we look at ways we can tackle these crimes, by helping to prevent them taking place in the first place as well as effectively targeting the perpetrators.

“I am pleased to be working with partners in the Thames Valley on initiatives that aim to do this such as Thames Valley Police’s Project Vigilant and the recent Safer Streets funding award supporting activity in Oxford and Slough.”

The White Ribbon Campaign aims to create change by preventing violence and works with organisations, communities and directly with men and boys to take action and change behaviour.

The PCC said the pandemic, and other recent events had ‘shone a light’ on to the issue of female safety in our communities, both on the streets and within the home.

He added: “I am working across the criminal justice system to try to improve outcomes in the courts by bringing more offenders to justice and through my Victims First service ensuring that victims have access to the support they need to help them cope and recover from crime.

“Victims First supports victims of crime across the Thames Valley and our Victims First officers can provide emotional and practical support regardless of when the crime took place.”

Support is available regardless of the crime, when it took place or whether or not it has been reported to the police.

To speak to a member of the Victims First team and to receive support please call 0300 1234 148 or make a referral for support online at www.victims-first.org.uk