West Mercia’s fight against Violence Against Women and Girls

West Mercia Police has reinforced its commitment to tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) ahead of England playing the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-finals this evening (Wednesday 10 July).

Throughout the tournament West Mercia Police has taken part in Op Flagship, which aims to tackle football related domestic abuse. This evening Behavioural Detection Officers (BDOs) will visit pubs and public screenings across the force in plain clothes to spot any predatory behaviour and take necessary action.

The work builds on several initiatives the force has launched in the past year to help keep women and girls safe.

Last year Walk and Talk sessions were launched in Telford, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Walk and Talk gives women the opportunity to take part in a walk with a female police officer in a public area and speak to them about any concerns they may have and areas they feel unsafe. Where necessary, police will then work with partners, such as local authorities, to help make improvements to the area.

Bus and Discuss was also launched in Telford, which sees officers catching buses on the town’s main routes at its busiest times, offering reassurance to passengers.

Ask for Angela continues to run in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire. The national initiative means women can approach bar staff in licensed premises signed up to the scheme and ‘ask for angela’ if they are in danger or feel unsafe. The bar staff will then discreetly offer assistance to help keep them safe.

Across the force, several licensed premises have signed up to the Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (LSAVI), which is a major part of the force's prevention strategy to tackle all types of crime. LSAVI provides advice and guidance for venues to help raise standards and provide a safe, secure and welcoming environment for customers and staff.

A new online reporting service has also been launched, which offers a fast-time route to report spiking and prompts specific questions to capture evidence for spiking cases Report spiking | West Mercia Police.

Sergeant Alex Stacey, from the force’s Vulnerability Team, said: “We are determined to provide a first-class response to those offences which disproportionately affect women and girls, and to pursue those who commit them.

“Every officer and member of staff has a part to play in this by coordinating protective measures, driving best practice and ensuring our actions are informed by the experiences of women and girls in West Mercia.”

Natasha Saunders, Chair of West Mercia Police VAWG Independent Advisory Group, added: “It's so encouraging to see West Mercia Police not only acknowledging the epidemic of violence against women and girls, but also being proactive in supporting those at risk.

“Language around this type of crime is so often defined as ‘violence’ however when we use the term abuse we are ensuring victims know that West Mercia Police know that domestic abuse is more than physical.”

If you’ve been affected by domestic abuse or sexual assault then local support is available from the Victim Advice Line, where the force works closely with victims and help them.

Matt Chester, Head of Victim Services, added: “The Victim Advice Line is a free and confidential service offering advice, practical help and emotional support to people affected by crime, regardless how long ago it happened or whether it has been reported to the police.

“Their specialist Victim Care Coordinators are trained and experienced in supporting victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. Over 90% of victims who receive support tell us they would recommend the Victim Advice Line.
“Support is available by telephone on 0800 9523000, via email at [email protected] and through live chat on victimadviceline.org.uk.”

 

RJ, Corporate Communications