Category: Violence against women and girls

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with local police officer in Stanwell

Commissioner secures £700,000 in Safer Streets funding for projects to improve safety in three Surrey communities

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has secured over £700,000 in government funding to help tackle anti-social behaviour and improve safety in three areas of the county.

The ‘Safer Streets’ funding will help projects in Epsom town centre, Sunbury Cross and the Surrey Towers housing development in Addlestone after it was announced today that all three bids submitted for the county earlier this year have been successful.

The Commissioner said it was brilliant news for residents in all three communities who will benefit from a number of planned measures designed to make the areas safer places to live.

It is part of the latest round of the Home Office’s Safer Streets funding which has so far seen £120m shared across England and Wales for projects to tackle crime and improve safety.

The Police and Crime Commissioners Office submitted three bids totalling £707,320 after working with Surrey Police and borough and district council partners to identify areas most in need of support.

Around £270,000 will go towards improving safety and combatting anti-social behaviour, town centre violence and criminal damage in Epsom.

The funding will go towards helping modernise CCTV use, deliver training packages for licenced premises and the provision of safe spaces by accredited businesses in the town.

It will also be used to promote the services of the Street Angels and Street Pastors and the availability of free spiking detection devices.

In Addlestone, over £195,000 will be spent to tackle issues such as drug use, noise nuisance, intimidating behaviour and criminal damage to communal areas at the Surrey Towers development.

It will fund improvements to the security of the estate including resident only access to stairwells, the purchase and installation of CCTV cameras and additional lighting.

Increased police patrols and presence are also part of the plans as well as a new youth café in Addlestone which will employ a full time youth worker and give young people a place to go.

The third successful bid was for around £237,000 which will help introduce a number of measures to tackle youth-related anti-social behaviour in the Sunbury Cross area.

This will include residents only access, improved CCTV provision in the location, including the subways, and opportunities for young people in the area.

Previously, Safer Streets funding has supported projects in Woking, Spelthorne and Tandridge where funding helped improve security for women and girls using the Basingstoke Canal, reduce anti-social behaviour in Stanwell and tackle burglary offences in Godstone and Bletchingley.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Safer Streets bids for all three projects in Surrey were successful which is great news for those living and working in those areas.

“I have spoken to residents across the county and one of the key issues that is raised repeatedly with me is the impact of anti-social behaviour on our communities.

“This announcement comes off the back of Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week where I pledged to continue working with our partners in the county to take positive steps to combat ASB.

“So I am really pleased to see that the funding we have been able to secure will help tackle those issues which have been causing concern for local people and make these three areas safer places for everyone to live in.

“The Safer Streets Fund is an excellent initiative by the Home Office which is continuing to make a real difference to our communities. I will ensure my office continues to work with Surrey Police and our partners to identify other areas that could benefit from this extra funding in the future.”

Ali Barlow, T/Assistant Chief Constable with responsibility for Local Policing said: “I’m delighted that Surrey has been successful in securing funding through the Home Office Safer Streets initiative which will see investment in key projects in Epsom, Sunbury and Addlestone.

“I know how much time and effort goes in to submitting applications for funding and we have seen, through previous successful bids, how this money can make a real difference to the lives of communities involved.

“This £700k investment will be used to improve the environment and tackle anti-social behaviour which continues to be a key priority for the Force working with our partners and with the continued support of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

“Surrey Police has made a commitment to the public that they will be kept safe and will feel safe living and working in the county and Safer Streets funding helps us to do just that.”

Commissioner welcomes new law that will help close the net on domestic abusers

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has welcomed a new law that makes non-fatal strangulation a stand-alone offence that could see domestic abusers jailed for five years.

The law came into effect this week, as part of the new Domestic Abuse Act which was introduced in April.

The shockingly violent act is often reported by survivors of domestic abuse as a method used by the abuser to frighten and exert power over them, resulting in an intense sense of fear and vulnerability.

Research shows that the behaviour of abusers who commit this type of assault is significantly more likely to escalate and lead to fatal attacks later on.

But it has been historically difficult to secure prosecutions at an appropriate level, as it often results in few, or no marks left behind. The new law means it will be treated as a serious offence that can be reported at any time and be taken to Crown Court.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I am really pleased to see this devastating behaviour recognised in a stand-alone offence that acknowledges the serious nature of the harm caused by the perpetrators of domestic abuse.

“The new law strengthens the policing response against abusers and recognises it as serious offence that has a lasting traumatic impact on survivors both physically and mentally. Many survivors who have experienced this horrific act as part of a pattern of abuse helped to inform the new law. Now we must do everything in our power to ensure the victim’s voice is heard throughout the Criminal Justice system when charges are being considered.”

Reducing violence against women and girls, including victims of domestic abuse, is a key priority in the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan for Surrey.

In 2021/22, the Commissioner’s office provided over £1.3m in funding to support local organisations to provide support to survivors of domestic abuse, with a further £500,000 provided to challenge the behaviour of perpetrators in Surrey.

Surrey Police’s Lead for Violence against Women and Girls Temporary D/Superintendent Matt Barcraft-Barnes said: “We welcome this change in law which allows us to close a gap that existed before where perpetrators were able to evade prosecution. Our teams will be able to use this legislation to focus on robustly pursuing and prosecuting perpetrators of abuse and increasing access to justice for survivors.”

Anyone concerned about themselves or someone they know can access confidential advice and support from Surrey’ independent specialist domestic abuse services by contacting the Your Sanctuary helpline 01483 776822 9am-9pm every day, or by visiting the Healthy Surrey website.

To report a crime or seek advice please call Surrey Police via 101, online or using social media. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with local police officers on bikes next to the Woking canal

Safer Streets funding to improve safety for women and girls in Woking

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The safety of women and girls using the Basingstoke Canal in Woking has been given a boost by extra security measures currently being put in place thanks to funding secured by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s office.

Last year around £175,000 was awarded by the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund to tackle issues along the canal following a number of reports of indecent exposures and suspicious incidents since 2019.

The 13-mile stretch of canal running through Woking, a much-loved local beauty spot popular with dog-walkers and joggers, has been cleared of overgrown shrubbery and has seen the installation of new CCTV cameras which cover the towpath.

Evidence of crime in the area such as graffiti and litter was found to be contributing to some parts of the canal path feeling unsafe. This sentiment was reflected by some of the responses to Surrey Police’s Call It Out Survey in 2021, in which some people reported feeling unsafe along the canal due to certain spots looking run-down.

Since then, with the help of Woking Borough Council and the Canal Authority, the Force has:

  • Begun to install new CCTV cameras to cover the length of the towpath
  • Invested in electronic bikes, allowing officers and volunteers from Canal Watch to patrol the path more effectively
  • Cut down overgrown shrubbery to improve visibility and allow more room for users of the canal to safely pass each other
  • Begun to remove graffiti along the canal, making the area a nicer place to be
  • Invested in signage which promotes early reporting of suspicious incidents, which is due to be installed in the coming weeks.

Part of the funding was also put towards promoting behaviour change among the community when it comes to violence against women and girls.

To do this, the Force teamed up with Woking Football Club to promote Do the Right Thing, a campaign which challenges bystanders to call out the misogynistic and harmful behaviour which allows violence against women and girls to continue.

Visitors of the canal may notice the campaign on their coffee cup sleeves too, after local canal-boat coffee shop Kiwi and Scot also joined forces with Surrey Police to help tackle the issue.

Sergeant Tris Cansell, who has been leading the project, said: “We feel very strongly that no one should ever be made to feel unsafe when they’re out enjoying their local area and we are committed to making this a reality across Woking, and particularly along the Basingstoke Canal.

“We recognised that in order to achieve this, we needed to take a holistic approach to tackle the issues from all sides and I hope that residents, in particular women and girls, will feel reassured by the new measures in place.

“I would also like to thank the Police and Crime Commissioner, Woking Borough Council, the Canal Authority, Woking Football Club and Kiwi and Scot for joining forces with us and helping to carry out this project. We are all totally united in our opposition to violence against women and girls, showing that offenders have no place in our community or beyond.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Ensuring we improve safety for women and girls in Surrey is one of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan so I am really pleased to see the progress that is being made in Woking thanks to the Safer Streets funding.

“I first visited the area and met the local policing team during my first week as Commissioner and I know they have been working really hard with our partners to tackle those issues along the canal.

“So it is fantastic to come back here a year later to see the huge effort that is going on to make this area safe for everyone to use. I hope that it will make a real difference to the community in this area.”

To read more about the Safer Streets project, visit the Surrey Police website.

You can view the Do the Right Thing campaign video and access further information about calling out violence against women and girls here. To access the Do the Right Thing campaign video in partnership with Woking Football Club, click here.

Commissioner backs campaign to encourage stalking victims to come forward

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has today given her backing to a campaign aimed at encouraging more victims of stalking to report offences to police.

To mark National Stalking Awareness Week (April 25-29), the Commissioner has joined other PCCs from across the country in committing to help increase reporting in their areas so those targeted can access the right support.

The week is run annually by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to raise awareness of the devastating effect of stalking, focusing on different issues related to the crime.

This year’s theme is ‘Bridging the Gap’ which aims to highlight the crucial role that Independent Stalking Advocates play in helping support victims through the criminal justice system.
Stalking Advocates are trained specialists who provide victims with expert advice and support during times of crisis.

In Surrey, the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office has provided funding for two Stalking Advocates and their associated training. One post is embedded in East Surrey Domestic Abuse Service to support victims of intimate stalking, and the other is being embedded within Surrey Police’s Victim and Witness Care Unit.

Funding has also been provided for three stalking advocacy training workshops delivered by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to wider staff. The PCC’s office has also secured additional money from the Home Office to deliver stalking perpetrator interventions designed to address and de-escalate offending behaviour.

PCC Lisa Townsend said: “Stalking is a dangerous and frightening crime that can leave victims feeling helpless, terrified and isolated.

“It can take many forms, all of which can have a devastating impact on those who are targeted. Sadly, if the offending goes unchecked, it can lead to the most serious of consequences.

“We have to make sure that those who are the victims of stalking are not only encouraged to come forward and report it to the police but are also offered the right specialist support.

“That is why I am joining other PCCs across the country in actively encouraging an increase in reports of stalking in their areas so that victims can access that support and offender’s behaviour can be addressed before it is too late.

“I am committed to ensuring my office are doing their part to help victims in Surrey. Over the last year we have provided funding for two Stalking Advocates in the county who we know can provide life-changing services to victims.

“We are also working with perpetrators to change their behaviour so we can continue to tackle this type of offending and protect those vulnerable people targeted by this sort of criminality.”

To learn more about Stalking Awareness Week and the work the Suzy Lamplugh Trust are doing to tackle stalking visit: suzylamplugh.org/national-stalking-awareness-week-2022-bridging-the-gap

#BridgingTheGap #NSAW2022

logo of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

New-look public performance meeting will focus on CCTV and violence against women and girls

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

CCTV and violence against women and girls will be on the agenda as the Police and Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend presents a new format of her Public Performance and Accountability meetings next week

As part of the Commissioner’s commitment to increasing engagement with Surrey residents, the new-look meeting will be streamed using Facebook Live from 10:30am on Monday (31 January).

You can watch the meeting live here.

The meeting is one of the key ways the Commissioner holds the Chief Constable Gavin Stephens to account on behalf of the public and she will be inviting feedback from residents on questions they would like answered on topics covered in future meetings.

The Chief Constable will give an update on the latest Public Performance Report which can be read here and will also face questions on key focus areas including the budgetary pressures facing the Surrey Police ahead of the start of a new financial year in April.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “When I took office in May I promised to keep residents’ views at the heart of my plans for Surrey.

“Monitoring the performance of Surrey Police and holding the Chief Constable accountable is central to my role, and it is important to me that members of the public can get involved in that process to help my office and the Force to deliver the best possible service together.

“I especially encourage anyone with a question or topic they’d like to know more about to get in touch. We want to hear your views and will be dedicating a new space in every meeting to address the feedback we receive.”

Haven’t got time to watch the meeting on the day? The video of the meeting will be available afterwards on the Commissioner’s online channels including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Nextdoor, and on our Performance page.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend at a Zonta women's rights march

Commissioner hails policing framework to respond to violence against women and girls

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The publication of a plan to improve policing’s response to violence against women and girls (VAWG) has been hailed as a big step forward by Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing has today launched a framework which sets out action required from every police force designed to make all women and girls safer.

It includes police forces working together to challenge sexism and misogyny, building women and girls’ trust and confidence in police culture, standards and approach to VAWG and strengthening a ‘call it out’ culture.

The framework also sets out plans for every police force to expand and enhance their processes for listening to women and girls and for increased action against violent men.

It can be found in full here: VAWG Framework

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I welcome the today’s timely publication of the VAWG framework which I hope represents a big step forward in how police forces address this vital issue.

“Preventing VAWG is one of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan which launched this week and I am determined to do everything I can to make sure women and girls in Surrey can feel safe and be safe in our public and private spaces.

“Whilst policing has made strides in recent years, it is clear forces must focus on rebuilding trust and confidence within our communities following recent events.

“That can only be done by tangible action to address the concerns of women and girls and we are at a crucial juncture, so I am pleased to see the range of improvements set out in the framework today.

“As PCCs, we must have a voice and help drive change too so I’m equally pleased to see that the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners is working on its own action plan which I am fully committed to supporting when it is published next year.

“In policing, we must work with the wider criminal justice system to improve both charge and conviction rates and the experience for victims while making sure they are fully supported in their recovery. Equally we must pursue offenders and bring them to justice while supporting projects that can help challenge and change perpetrators’ behaviour.

“We owe it to every woman and girl to make sure we seize this opportunity to build on the work already in place and help shape how policing can play its part in tackling this scourge in our society.”

hands holding each other

Commissioner welcomes major step towards new Victims’ Law

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has welcomed the launch of a consultation on a brand-new law that will enhance the support for victims in England and Wales.

Plans for the first-ever Victims’ Law aim to improve engagement with victims of crime during the criminal justice process and include new requirements to hold agencies such as the police, Crown Prosecution Service and the courts to greater account. The consultation will also ask whether to increase the role of Police and Crime Commissioners as part of providing better oversight across the criminal justice system.

The Law will amplify the voices of communities and victims of crime, including a more explicit requirement for prosecutors to meet and understand the impact of a case on the victims before making charges against offenders. The burden of crime will be focused on offenders, including an increase to the amount that they are required to pay back to the community.

The Ministry of Justice also confirmed it will go further to specifically protect the victims of sexual offences and modern slavery from re-experiencing trauma, by speeding up the national roll out of pre-recorded evidence in courts.

It follows the publication of the Government’s Rape Review earlier this year, that called for better recognition of the impact of the criminal justice system on victims.

The Government has today published the first national criminal justice system and adult rape scorecards, accompanied by a report on the progress made since the Review was published. The publication of scorecards was one of the actions included in the Review, with a focus on the whole of criminal justice system working to increase the number of rape cases reaching court and to improve support for victims.

Surrey has the lowest level of recorded cases of rape per 1000 people. Surrey Police have taken the recommendations of the Review seriously, including developing a rape improvement plan and rape improvement group, new perpetrator programme and case progression clinics.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I greatly welcome the proposals outlined today to improve the support that is offered to victims. Every individual affected by a crime deserves our absolute attention across the whole system to ensure they are fully heard and included in achieving justice. It is important this includes progress towards protecting more victims from further harm as a result of the impact of criminal processes such as facing an offender in court.

“I am pleased that the measures proposed will not only make the criminal justice system work harder to achieve better outcomes, but that it will keep a core focus on increasing the penalties for those who cause harm. As Police and Crime Commissioners we play a key role in improving the policing response as well as community support for victims. I am committed to championing the rights of victims in Surrey, and embrace every opportunity for my office, Surrey Police and partners to enhance the service we provide.”

Rachel Roberts, Department Head of the Surrey Police Victim and Witness Care Unit said: “Victim participation and victim support is essential to the delivery of criminal justice. Surrey Police welcome the implementation of a Victims Law to ensure a future where victims’ rights are a key part of how we deliver overall justice and victim treatment is of utmost priority.

“This welcome piece of legislation we hope will transform victims’ experiences of the criminal justice system, ensuring that all victims have an active role in the process, have the right to be informed, supported, feel valued and able to make informed decisions. A Victims Law is an opportunity to ensure that all victim entitlements are delivered and those agencies who are responsible for doing this can be held to account.”

The Surrey Police Victim and Witness Care Unit is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to provide help victims of crime cope and, as far as possible, recover from their experiences.

Victims are supported to identify sources of help for their unique situation and to develop tailored care plans that last as long as they need them – from reporting a crime, through to court and beyond. Since the start of this year, the Unit has had contact with over 40,000 individuals, providing more than 900 individuals with ongoing support.

You can contact the Victim and Witness Care Unit on 01483 639949, or for more information visit: https://victimandwitnesscare.org.uk

Women's Aid Deserve to be heard campaign banner

“We owe it to survivors to provide specialist support.” – Police Commissioner joins Women’s Aid to raise awareness of the impact of domestic abuse on mental health

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has joined the Women’s Aid ‘Deserve to be Heard’ campaign calling for better mental health provision for survivors of domestic abuse.

To mark the start of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, the Commissioner has issued a joint statement with Women’s Aid and the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership, asking the Government to recognise domestic abuse as a public health priority.

The statement also calls for sustainable funding for specialist domestic abuse services for survivors.

Community services such as helplines and specialist outreach workers account for around 70% of the assistance provided to survivors and play, alongside refuges, a fundamental part in halting the cycle of abuse.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend, who is also the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners National Lead for Mental Health and Custody, said every person needed to play a part in reducing the stigma attached to abuse and mental health.

She said: “We know that women and children who experience abuse suffer serious harm to their mental health that can include anxiety, PTSD, depression and suicidal thoughts. Raising awareness of the links between abuse and mental health sends an important message to survivors that there are people they can talk to that understand.

“We owe it to survivors of abuse to provide the right support to improve their mental health. We can and must keep pushing to ensure these services reach as many individuals as possible.”

CEO for Women’s Aid, Farah Nazeer said: “All women Deserve To Be Heard, but we know from our work with survivors that shame and stigma around domestic abuse and mental health prevent many women from speaking out. Coupled with the huge obstacles to accessing support – from long waiting times to the victim-blaming culture, which often asks women ‘what is wrong with you? Rather than, ‘what happened to you?’ – survivors are being failed.

“We must work together to ensure that domestic abuse is recognised as a key cause of women’s ill-mental health- and provide the holistic responses that survivors need to heal. This includes better understanding of trauma, greater partnership, including between mental health and domestic abuse services, and ring-fenced funding for specialist domestic abuse services led ‘by and for’ Black and minoritised women.

“Too many women are let down by the systems that are designed to help them. Through Deserve To Be Heard, we will ensure that survivors are listened to, and receive the support they need to heal and move forward.”

In 2020/21, the Office of the PCC provided more funds to address violence against women and girls than ever before, including close to close to £900,000 in funding to local organisations to provide support to survivors of domestic abuse.

Anyone concerned about themselves or someone they know can access confidential advice and support from Surrey’ independent specialist domestic abuse services by contacting the Your Sanctuary helpline 01483 776822 9am-9pm every day, or by visiting the Healthy Surrey website.

To report a crime or seek advice please call Surrey Police via 101, online or using social media. If you feel that you or someone you know is at immediate risk please always dial 999 in an emergency.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend walking with a female police oficer

Commissioner secures government funding for project to improve safety for women and girls in Woking

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has secured nearly £175,000 in government funding to help improve safety for women and girls in the Woking area.

The ‘Safer Streets’ funding will help Surrey Police, Woking Borough Council and other local partners boost security measures along a stretch of the Basingstoke Canal after a bid was submitted earlier this year.

Since July 2019 there have been a number of incident exposures and suspicious incidents towards women and young girls in the area.

The money will go towards installing extra CCTV cameras and signage along the canal footpath, the removal of foliage and graffiti to improve visibility and the purchase of four E bikes for community and police patrols along the canal.

A designated canal neighbourhood watch has been set up by local police, named “Canal Watch” and part of the Safer Streets funding will support this initiative.

It is part of the latest round of the Home Office’s Safer Streets funding which has seen around £23.5m shared across England and Wales for projects to improve safety for women and girls in local communities.

It follows previous Safer Streets projects in Spelthorne and Tandridge where funding helped improve security and reduce anti-social behaviour in Stanwell and tackle burglary offences in Godstone and Bletchingley.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Ensuring we improve safety for women and girls in Surrey is one of my key priorities so I am delighted we have secured this crucial funding for the project in Woking.

“During my first week in office back in May, I joined the local policing team along the Basingstoke Canal to see first-hand the challenges they have in making this area safe for everyone to use.

“Sadly, there have been a number of incidents of indecent exposure which have targeted women and girls using the canal path in Woking.

“Our police teams have been working really hard with our local partners to tackle this issue. I hope this extra funding will go a long way to supporting that work and will help make a real difference to the community in that area.

“The Safer Streets Fund is an excellent initiative by the Home Office and I was particularly pleased to see this round of funding have a focus on enhancing the safety of women and girls in our neighbourhoods.

“This is a really important issue to me as your PCC and I am absolutely determined to make sure my office continues to work with Surrey Police and our partners to find ways to make our communities even safer for everyone.”

Woking Sergeant Ed Lyons said: “We are delighted that this funding has been secured to help us tackle the issues we have had with indecent exposures along the Basingstoke Canal towpath.

“We have been working extremely hard behind the scenes to ensure that the streets of Woking are safe for everyone, including working with our partner agencies by introducing a range of measures to prevent further offences from taking place, as well as carrying out numerous enquiries to identify the offender and ensure they are brought to justice.

“This funding will enhance the work we are already doing and go a long way to making our local communities a safer place to be.”

Cllr Debbie Harlow, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety said: “Women and girls, along with everyone in our community, have the right to feel safe, whether that’s on our streets, in our public spaces or recreational areas.

“I welcome the announcement of this crucial government funding that will go a long way in providing additional security measures along the Basingstoke Canal towpath, in addition to supporting the ongoing ‘Canal Watch’ initiative.”

woman hugging daughter in front of a sunrise

“Ending violence against women and girls requires everyone to work together.” – Commissioner Lisa Townsend responds to new report

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has welcomed a new report by the Government that urges ‘fundamental, cross-system change’ to tackle the epidemic of violence against women and girls.

The report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) included the results of an inspection of four police forces including Surrey Police, recognising the proactive approach the Force is already taking.

It calls on every police force and their partners to radically refocus their efforts, ensuring that the best possible support is provided to victims while relentlessly pursuing offenders. It is important that this forms part of a whole system approach alongside local authorities, health services and charities.

A landmark plan unveiled by the Government in July included the appointment this week of Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth as the new National Police Lead for Violence Against Women and Girls.

The scale of the problem was recognised as being so vast, that HMICFRS said they struggled to keep this section of the report updated with new findings.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Today’s report reiterates just how important it is that all agencies work as one to prevent violence against women and girls in our communities. This is an area that my office and Surrey Police are actively investing in with partners right across Surrey, including funding a brand-new service that is focused on changing perpetrators’ behaviour.

“The impact of crimes including coercive control and stalking must not be underestimated. I’m delighted that Deputy Chief Constable Blyth has been appointed this week to lead the national response and am proud that Surrey Police is already acting on many of the recommendations contained in this report.

“This is an area I’m passionate about. I will be working with Surrey Police and others to ensure we do everything we can to ensure every woman and girl in Surrey can feel safe and be safe.”

Surrey Police was praised for its response to violence against women and girls, that includes a new Force Strategy, more Sexual Offence Liaison Officers and domestic abuse case workers and a public consultation with over 5000 women and girls on community safety.

Force Lead for Violence against Women and Girls Temporary D/Superintendent Matt Barcraft-Barnes said: “Surrey Police was one of four forces put forward to be involved in the fieldwork for this inspection, giving us the opportunity to show where we have made real strides to improve.

“We have already started implementing some of the recommendations earlier this year. This includes Surrey being awarded £502,000 by the Home Office for intervention programmes for perpetrators and the new multi-agency focus on targeting the highest harm offenders. With this we aim to make Surrey an uncomfortable place for perpetrators of violence against women and girls by targeting them direct.”

In 2020/21, the Office of the PCC provided more funds to address violence against women and girls than ever before, including close to close to £900,000 in funding to local organisations to provide support to survivors of domestic abuse.

Funding from the PCC’s Office continues to provide a wide range of local services, including counselling and helplines, refuge space, dedicated services for children and professional support for individuals navigating the criminal justice system.

Read the full report by HMICFRS.