Through repeated news reports and social media frenzies, violence against women and girls (VAWG) came under spotlight several times. Divisions across the nation blew up to such a worrying state it resembled violence seen in the 1950s. Now, marked as the 2024 Summer Race Riots, it’s a piece of history that will not be forgotten in this lifetime. However, the treatment of women and girls in this country remains a fretful issue that does not show signs of improvement.
The National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) conducted the very first national analysis and report of VAWG which was released July 23rd, 2024. They declared that violence against women and girls has now reached a national emergency. Maggie Blyth, the Deputy Chief Constable, has appealed for ‘support and direction’ from the government as police face an ‘epidemic state of offending’.
Police officials highlighted the risk of young men and boys being ‘radicalised’ online by influencers. Over the summer this has created tensions with social media technology companies who have been criticised for failing to act and protect users.
The report found that VAWG recorded cases increased by 37% between 2018-2023. This now stands at 3,000 crimes of VAWGrecorded daily. However, End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW) has stressed this number is likely to be much higher given that most victims do not report these crimes. The Executive Director of EVAW, Andrea Simon, welcomed the report but warned officials, “We don’t want to see another piece of paper that doesn’t deliver tangible change – women’s lives lie in the balance.”
Femicide Census submitted a report showing that between 2009-2018, 1,425 women were killed. This means that, on average, a man killed a woman every three days, and a woman was killed by a male partner or ex-partner every four days in England and Wales.
On average, a man killed a woman every three days, and a woman was killed by a male partner or ex-partner every four days in England and Wales.
The statistics and experiences show that the value of being a woman in this country comes at a cost. That being the regular fear of facing violent injuries or murder at the hands of a man. The reality we face is overwhelming to say the least, and it is essential that we remember beyond these numbers are lived experiences.
Karen Ingala Smith, co-founder of the Feminicide Census, wisely pointed out that “Each of these women deserves to be remembered by name and as more than just another statistic.”
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