Responding to today's announcement regarding Government commitments to tackle violence against women and girls FPH President Professor Tracy Daszkiewicz said
“Violence against women and girls is one of the most severe and troubling public health challenges we face, and I welcome today’s recognition from the Health Secretary that this must be tackled as an urgent public health issue, and her commitment to make this a priority for Government.
Domestic abuse and sexual violence remain unacceptably pervasive across the UK and around the world, causing lasting harm to physical and mental health. As well as causing incredibly severe harm to individuals, the effects of this violence ripple through families and communities for generations.
But this harm is entirely preventable. A public health, whole-society approach can help us understand and address the factors that drive violence against women and girls, prevent harm before it occurs, and ultimately save lives. Six people die every week across the UK as a result of violence and abuse, including through suicide, and none of these lost lives should be viewed as inevitable.
We must follow evidence – and listen to the voices of women and girls – to understand who is most at risk, take action at population level to tackle the conditions that allow this abuse to occur, and bring together health and care, local government, police, specialised services, and the voluntary and community sector around a shared plan.
The extra funding for GP referral services for women and men experiencing domestic abuse is welcome, and will help ensure more victims get the support they need. Alongside this though, local public health teams will need the resources, data and clearly defined role to lead prevention work – essential if we are to reach the Government’s target of halving violence against women and girls within a decade.”
