Ministers reopen consultation on how to tackle violence against women and girls

‘Everyone should be free to walk our streets without the slightest fear,’ says home secretary

(Getty Images)

The government is seeking further views from the public on how to tackle violence against women and girls in response to an outpouring of anger over attacks following the Sarah Everard case.

The Home Office is reopening a public consultation that will help shape an update of its strategy on tackling violence against women and girls.

Everard’s death has prompted many people to call for attitudes to change, with some women saying the onus should be on men to stop the attacks.

Reclaim These Streets is planning a vigil on Saturday to remember Everard and other victims of violence on Clapham Common, close to where she disappeared 10 days earlier.

Organisers say the event is “for Sarah, but also for all women who feel unsafe, who go missing from our streets and who face violence every day”.

The government’s initial call for evidence was open for 10 weeks from 10 December, and closed on 19 February.

The latest Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, covering up to 2024, is due to be released later this year. 

An online survey forming part of the consultation received more than 15,000 responses from across the UK. Now, many more people are expected to give their views.

Some £100m has been committed to support female victims of violence since 2016.

It is understood officials are considering legislation to protect women against public sexual harassment, among other ideas.

The government is seeking responses from anyone over 16, including people who have experienced violence, those who work with survivors and relevant professionals.

MPs have warned there is an “epidemic” of violence against women in the UK that is not taken seriously enough.

Last year a study of women killed by their partners found the men had a history of violence in 46 per cent of all cases, either committed against his victim or towards other people.

Ms Everard was walking home near Clapham Common alone when she vanished. Her body has been found in woodland in Ashford, Kent.

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has admitted the city’s streets are not safe for women and girls.

The home secretary, Priti Patel, said: “While an awful incident like this is incredibly rare, it is worrying because it reminds women everywhere of the steps we all take on a daily basis, without a second thought, to keep ourselves safe.

“So many of you have bravely shared your own experiences of harassment, abuse and violence online over recent days, so today I am reopening our nationwide call for views on tackling violence against women and girls. The government is listening.

“Everyone should be free to walk our streets without the slightest fear. With Sarah and her family in my thoughts and prayers, I will continue to do all I can to protect women and girls.”

Launching the consultation last year, Ms Patel wrote: “It remains the case that in the UK one in five women will experience sexual assault during her lifetime. And over the last 10 years we have seen newer forms of these crimes emerging, such as cyber-flashing and so-called ‘upskirting’.

“This is completely unacceptable, and we need a step change in our response.”