Government’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy: A Chaotic Development

The ongoing development of the government’s flagship strategy to combat violence against women and girls (VAWG) is drawing criticism from leading organizations within the sector. The process, described as chaotic and haphazard, has even been labeled as “worse than under the Tories” by some experts. This raises significant concerns regarding the effectiveness and sincerity of the government’s commitment to this pressing issue.

Anticipated Policy Announcement and Sector Concerns

As ministers prepare for a series of policy announcements ahead of the long-awaited strategy release next week, experts are voicing their concerns. The strategy, initially due in spring, has faced multiple delays, pushing its debut to the autumn.

• The focus on schoolboys as a target for the strategy aims to prevent the radicalization of young men, stop abusers, and support victims.
• Despite this focus, there are claims that crucial voices within the VAWG sector have been sidelined during the strategy’s formulation.
• Some insiders argue that the present process of strategy development is far less engaging than the previous Conservative government’s approach.

This discontent is palpable, with one sector figure stating, “We were so much better off under the Tories.” This comparison underscores the frustration felt by many who believe their insights and expertise are being overlooked.

Concerns Over Engagement and Transparency

Further compounding the issue is the limited engagement from government officials. Karen Bradley, chair of the home affairs committee, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency and interaction with VAWG stakeholders. She highlighted that the VAWG advisory board had met only a few times, limiting its effectiveness.

• Andrea Simon from the End Violence Against Women and Girls coalition acknowledged some positive government moves, including significant funding for victim support.
• However, she emphasized the need for a robust monitoring and evaluation structure to hold the government accountable for its commitments.
• Concerns were raised regarding the absence of expert input in shaping a comprehensive strategy.

As discussions unfold in the media, many stakeholders are left questioning how a cohesive and effective strategy can be developed without the necessary expert involvement.

Tokenism and Sidelining of Experts

The sentiment of tokenism is echoed by various figures in the VAWG sector. Karen Ingala Smith, co-founder of the Femicide Census, expressed disappointment over not being invited to join the advisory board, describing previous meetings as mere “box-ticking” exercises.

• There is a palpable fear among experts that the commitment to addressing femicide and other forms of violence against women will lose its urgency and significance.
• The government’s spokesperson maintains that their mission is to halve violence against women and girls, asserting that the strategy is comprehensive and aimed at transformative change.

A Call for Accountability and Change

While there are commendable aspects of the strategy, such as funding and legal changes, the overarching sentiment is one of skepticism. Without genuine engagement with experts and a clear framework for accountability, the government risks falling short of its ambitious goals.

As we await the final strategy release, it is crucial for the government to ensure that this initiative is not merely an afterthought but a serious commitment to tackling a pervasive issue in society.

For further details and insights, I encourage readers to explore the original news article here.