Council backs stronger action to tackle violence against women and girls
Oxfordshire county councillors have backed a motion to strengthen efforts to prevent and tackle violence against women and girls.
At full council on 3 November, councillors reaffirmed their commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, backing calls for stronger national action to prevent abuse and challenge misogyny, and sought assurances that investigations into serious offences are improving.
The motion responds to concerns about the scale and impact of violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse, sexual violence and online abuse, and calls for stronger action nationally and locally to prevent harm, support victims and survivors, and improve confidence in the investigation of serious offences.
Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, put forward the motion, she said: "Everyone has the right to live free from fear, abuse and violence. Violence against women and girls has a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities, and preventing it is everyone's responsibility.
“This motion reaffirms our commitment to supporting victims and survivors, promoting healthy relationships and challenging the attitudes and behaviours that can lead to abuse. We also want to see confidence that all victims will receive the support they need and that serious offences are investigated thoroughly and professionally. By working together locally and calling for stronger national action, we can help create safer communities for everyone."
Under the motion, the council agreed to continue to work on prevention, safeguarding, education and support for victims and survivors.
The council's leader will write to the Home Secretary and Oxfordshire MPs calling for stronger national action, including a long-term behaviour-change campaign to challenge misogyny and promote healthy relationships.
The leader will also write to the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner seeking assurances that concerns about investigations, specialist resources and officer accreditation are being addressed.
The council will also take forward actions within its own responsibilities, while the letters ask national government and policing partners to take action in areas outside the council's direct control.
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