UK Government to Unveil Long-Delayed Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy
The UK government will unveil a long-delayed strategy addressing violence against women and girls (VAWG) next Thursday, focusing on changing attitudes among boys and young men.
The strategy has three primary goals: to prevent the radicalisation of young men, stop abusers, and support victims, representing a cross-government effort.
It has been delayed three times over the past year, drawing criticism from MPs and opponents who question the government's commitment, though Labour has pledged to halve VAWG within a decade.
Emphasising prevention and addressing root causes, the plan targets settings such as schools, homes, and online environments. It includes working with teachers to challenge misogyny, promote healthy relationships, and increasing parental support.
The timing for publication coincides with Parliament breaking for Christmas, with justice committee MPs criticising the delays.
Statistics cited within the strategy highlight serious concerns: nearly 40% of teenagers in relationships have experienced abuse; more than 1 in 5 young men hold a positive view of Andrew Tate; about 200 rapes are recorded daily; and hundreds of thousands of children are abused annually.
Collaboration across government departments including the Home Office, Department of Health and Social Care, Ministry of Justice, Department for Education, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will underpin the strategy.
New measures to track down abusers and empower police are promised, although specific tools have not yet been detailed.
The government also aims to better support victims amid concerns about police failures and court delays, noting that more than half of rape and stalking cases collapse as victims drop out.
Ministers have described violence against women and girls as a national emergency and pledge to halve VAWG within the next decade.
