Understanding VAWG: Violence Against Women and Girls in the UK
Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a pervasive issue that affects countless lives globally. In the United Kingdom, this form of violence has reached alarming levels, with reports and statistics painting a grim picture of its prevalence and impact. In this blog post we aim to delve into what VAWG entails, highlight key statistics from the UK, and explore how such violence often escalates into domestic abuse.
What is VAWG?
VAWG refers to any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women and girls. This includes threats, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life. Forms of VAWG include domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage, and human trafficking, among others. VAWG may include other issues such as revenge porn, drink spiking, street harassment, up-skirting and down-blousing where phone cameras are used to take photos without consent and creepshots which typically refer to a photo taken by a man of a woman or girl in public without her consent. Creepshots typically focus on a woman's backside, legs, or cleavage.
VAWG in the UK: The Statistics
The extent of VAWG in the UK is staggering, with numerous studies and reports highlighting its pervasive nature:
Domestic Abuse: According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in the year ending March 2022, an estimated 2.3 million adults aged 16 to 74 years experienced domestic abuse. Of these, 1.6 million were women.
VAWG: Police recorded VAWG related crime increased by 37% between 2018/23.
Sexual Violence: The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) reported that approximately 618,000 women experienced sexual assault in the year ending March 2022. This includes attempts and cases of rape.
Stalking: The same survey revealed that about 1 in 5 women (19.9%) aged 16 to 59 had experienced stalking since the age of 16.
Homicide: In 2021, the Femicide Census reported that, on average, a woman is killed by a man every three days in the UK. Many of these killings are perpetrated by current or former partners.
Local news: It has recently been reported that Hertfordshire women alone suffer 1,000 violent incidents a month. This report follows the murder of Carol Hunt, 61, and her two daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28, in Bushey on July 9, which sparked calls for more measures to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG).
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The Rise of VAWG: An Epidemic Level
Recent years have seen a disturbing rise in VAWG incidents in the UK, prompting concerns that the issue has reached epidemic levels. Several factors contribute to this increase:
Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many of the underlying issues that lead to VAWG. Lockdowns and social isolation increased women's vulnerability, often trapping them with abusers without access to support networks.
Digital Harassment: With the rise of digital communication, online harassment and abuse have become more prevalent. Women and girls face significant threats in the virtual space, adding a new dimension to VAWG.
Awareness and Reporting: While higher reporting rates might indicate a growing awareness and willingness to seek help, they also reflect the systemic nature of VAWG, demonstrating that despite greater visibility, the root causes persist.
From VAWG to Domestic Abuse
VAWG and domestic abuse are intrinsically linked. Many instances of VAWG occur within domestic settings, escalating over time from seemingly minor incidents to severe abuse. The cycle of abuse often starts with controlling behaviours, psychological abuse, and emotional manipulation, eventually leading to physical and sexual violence.
The progression typically follows a predictable pattern:
Tension Building: Stress and strain within the relationship increase, with the abuser becoming more controlling and critical.
Incident: An episode of verbal, emotional, or physical abuse occurs.
Reconciliation: The abuser apologizes, promises to change, or blames the victim for the abuse.
Calm: A period of apparent peace, which can lull the victim into a false sense of security before the cycle begins again.
Tackling VAWG: A Call to Action
Addressing VAWG requires a multi-faceted approach involving government action, community support, and societal change:
Legislation and Policy: Strengthening laws to protect women and girls, ensuring stringent enforcement, and providing adequate funding for support services.
Education and Awareness: Promoting gender equality, educating young people about consent and healthy relationships, and raising awareness about the signs of abuse.
Support Services: Expanding access to shelters, counselling, legal assistance, and hotlines for victims of VAWG.
Cultural Shift: Challenging and changing the societal norms and attitudes that perpetuate gender-based violence.
Conclusion
VAWG is a profound violation of human rights and dignity, demanding urgent and sustained action. The rising levels of such violence in the UK underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to protect women and girls. By understanding the scope of the problem, recognizing the signs, and supporting systemic change, we can work towards a future where every woman and girl can live free from the fear of violence.
If you or someone you know is affected by VAWG, please call us or reach out to local support services for help. Together, we can make a difference.