A new multi-agency commission is inviting local people to share their views on how violence affects women and girls in Plymouth, to help shape their future agenda.
Earlier this month the new Violence Against Women and Girls Commission met for the first time to agree their areas of focus over the next three months.
As part of their work, the Commission is inviting evidence and feedback from a wide-range of local organisations, victims, and experts, including a number of public sessions.
They are also keen to hear from as many local people as possible, in order to understand how violence affects women and girls in Plymouth. They have already heard from over 150 people at the recent virtual Q and A, however they want more feedback to help shape the future programme. One of the first actions the Commission agreed is a survey which aims to:
- Help the Commission understand the extent of violence against women and girls in Plymouth
- Better understand the experiences of victims of violence against women and girls
- Identify what will make women and girls feel safer
- Allow residents an opportunity to help shape the city’s response to violence against women and girls
The survey is open to everyone, however, the Commission is keen to hear from any women and girls who have experienced or witnessed harassment or harm of any kind in Plymouth in the past five years.
Councillor Rebecca Smith chair of the Violence Against Women and Girls Commission, said:
“It was clear from the virtual Q and A that many women and girls are very worried about safety in Plymouth. Therefore, it is essential that we understand the real scale of the issue.
“We know that many crimes go un-reported, therefore the most powerful evidence will come from the testimony of those who have been subjected to these crimes, or who are worried about them.
“I would encourage all women and girls to let me know their views so that we can determine what the city can do to make you safer. This is an important survey that I hope will make a real difference to public safety in Plymouth.”
The survey is open until midnight on Sunday February 13 2022. All responses to this survey are anonymous and the results will be collated and analysed to identify themes and recurring issues.
To ensure the survey is accessible to all, it is also available in additional formats and languages upon request by emailing VAWG@plymouth.gov.uk
Alternatively, anyone who does not wish to complete the survey and just wants to get in touch to share their experience or ideas that they would like the commission to conside, the free text option on the council’s consultation portal, details of which are shown below.
The same applies to practitioners, organisations or partners and which share any research, data or intelligence that would be valuable
The survey can be completed or the free text option selected at https://plymouth-consult.objective.co.uk/kse
Women and girls are advised to only take part if they feel safe to do so. Anyone in immediate danger must call 999.
