Commissioner Convenes Lancashire Leaders to Tackle Violence Against Women and Girls

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw has brought together leaders from across the county to develop a unified response to the concerns raised in his recent survey on the safety of women and girls in Lancashire.

Senior representatives, including Chief Executives from Lancashire Councils, along with leads from Transport, Public Health, and local support services came together to review the survey findings and explore coordinated actions to address violence against women and girls across the county.

Nearly 5,000 women and girls took part in the consultation, with 93% reporting that they modify their daily behaviour to avoid danger, and 78% stating that they have felt unsafe at least occasionally in the past year.

The findings also show that more than 70% are concerned about drink spiking, sexual assault, and rape when in public spaces. Groping, indecent exposure, and stalking were also identified as major concerns.

Over half of respondents reported experiencing unwanted comments and intrusive staring in the last 12 months, highlighting that threats to safety extend far beyond physical harm and include harassment-based offences such as sexual remarks and catcalling.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner Grunshaw said: “Firstly, I want to thank all women and girls who took the time to respond to my survey and openly shared their fears and concerns. We are listening and taking action.

“The results speak for themselves, they aren’t just statistics but the real voices of women and girls right here in Lancashire. It is unacceptable that so many of them live with fear as part of their daily lives.

“We must do more to change that, to challenge male behaviours towards women and girls and to ensure that they not only are safe, but feel safe.

“Bringing partners together today is another step in this mission. We need to listen to what women and girls are telling us and work together to make a difference.

“A huge amount of work to tackle VAWG and support victims is already underway through my Office. This includes a £177,000 investment in projects that combat VAWG, the establishment of an Independent Advisory Group to advise on policy, and the rollout of the DRIVE programme which breaks the cycle of offending for domestic abuse perpetrators.

“I also continue to invest in specialist services to support victims of stalking, domestic abuse and sexual violence and work is underway to establish a Lived Experience Forum for survivors of these types of crime.

“I fully accept that violence against women and girls is not an issue we can solve overnight but I’m clear that we must do all we can to challenge and change male behaviours and attitudes, to educate men and boys, and to target those who commit VAWG-related crimes.

“Together with the Constabulary and our partners, we will form a joined-up approach and develop a strategic action plan to pool our efforts to make a real difference here in Lancashire and we will share progress and challenges honestly and openly.”

Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett of Lancashire Constabulary said: “Every woman and girl in Lancashire deserves to live free from fear.  The voices captured in this survey are powerful, moving and deeply personal and they must be heard.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is both a national priority and a core commitment for Lancashire Constabulary.  We are proud to stand alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner and our partners in a united mission to drive change.

“As Chief Constable, I am clear: this is not just about enforcement, it’s about listening, understanding and taking meaningful action to change behaviour.

“As a force we continue to prioritise prevention.  We work hard every day to prevent, investigate and detect these crimes, bringing offenders to justice and safeguarding victims.  We also work closely with survivors and our partners to ensure those affected receive the support they need.

“We have an important role in helping people feel safe, but we must work with partners and change the culture of what is acceptable.  This is part of a longer term strategy, with education to confront and change male attitudes in society, giving women and girls the confidence to speak up and challenge others.”

Further information about the survey and the Commissioner’s work to tackle violence against women and girls is available at lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/VAWG.