Sussex Police commit to tackling violence against women

The National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) has called for a “whole-system” approach to the issue, which Sussex Police said is a “key focus” for the force.

The NPCC has just published a statement on the "epidemic" of violence against women and girls (VAWG).

It revealed that between 2022 and 2023, such crimes accounted for 20 per cent of all police recorded crime.

In 2022, Sussex Police created a Complex Domestic Abuse and Stalking Unit, which was recognised as a regional winner in the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing Awards last year.

The force said it was committed to improving its treatment of stalking victims after Brighton teenager Shana Grice was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Michael Lane, who she reported to Sussex Police five times for stalking her.

Sussex Police have also been working with community partners to tackle the issue, with a focus on protecting young people and combating early signs of criminal behaviour.

They formed a partnership with Barnardo’s and YMCA WiSE, What is Sexual Exploitation, to improve young people’s online safety and have been working closely with Sussex universities to engage with students.

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Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh, Sussex Police’s head of public protection, said: “Violence against women and girls is a complex issue that demands a joined-up approach from different agencies to make sure we are addressing the underlying problems.

“We understand the devastating impact of VAWG on victims and our communities, given greater emphasis by the NPCC’s latest statistics.

"I want women and girls to feel safe in Sussex, in public and in private, and we will continue to do all we can – alongside our partners - to protect them.”

Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, deputy CEO of the College of Policing and NPCC lead for violence against women and girls (Image: National Police Chief's Council)

Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, deputy CEO of the College of Policing and NPCC lead for violence against women and girls, said: "Violence against women and girls is a national emergency.

“We are absolutely determined to turn the tide on violence and abuse faced by women and girls and will continue to work tirelessly to do better for victims.

“We know that continuous improvement is needed to strengthen policing’s response to VAWG. Improvements must be driven nationally, ensuring consistency from force to force to give victims the service they expect and deserve.”

Sussex Police are urging victims of crime to report to them online, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency.