Responding to the latest Crime Survey for England and Wales by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which reveals that one in eight women were victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse, or stalking in the past year, Rebecca Goshawk, Solace’s Director of Business Development, said:
“This statistic is as shocking as it is sad: behind every statistic is a woman living in fear. This report is a stark reminder that current efforts are failing and must be urgently accelerated if the government is to meet its ambition of halving violence against women and girls within a decade.
“As the government’s strategy to tackle violence against women and girls approaches, decision makers must urgently improve how it defines and reports these crimes, and adopt a truly cross-government approach. Prevention must be prioritised, and the women’s sector must be sustainably funded to ensure survivors receive the long-term support they need and deserve.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
For more information, please contact media@solacewomensaid.org during working hours.
About Solace:
Soalce is a leading specialist charity in the UK supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence. Whatever form violence comes in, from rape to trafficking to relationships based on psychological or financial control, we work to end it. We know that escaping the effects of violence can be the hardest thing to ever do. That’s why the lifesaving support that Solace provides to 30,000 women, children, and young people each year is so important.