Responding to the newly released 2025 ONS Crime Stats, which show an increase in sexual offences, Rebecca Goshawk, Director of Business Development at Solace Women’s Aid, said:
“This data highlights the urgent need for the government to publish its long-awaited Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy. Every day without clear direction and investment is another day women are left at risk. Until this strategy is released and effectively resourced, the promise to halve VAWG in the next decade will remain a hollow pledge.
“It is deeply concerning, though sadly not surprising, that the ONS reports levels of VAWG remain high, with a 9% increase in sexual offences. These new figures lay bare how much more there is to do. Women are still living in fear. Men are still abusing and killing women, because they are women.
“Equally, while the ONS provides a combined figure for domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking to help demonstrate the scale of VAWG, there is a limited breakdown for domestic abuse-related crimes, which risks concealing differences in how forms of domestic abuse impacts women. The combined figure also excludes other critical forms of abuse, including online abuse and honour-based violence, which remain widespread and devastating. This highlights the continuing need for greater transparency and more detailed data to ensure responses are properly targeted and effective.”