The government’s goal to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) within a decade has raised concerns among experts, who argue that its current strategy lacks clarity and focus.
In an article for Policy@Manchester, a platform run by the University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit, three prominent academics—Professor David Gadd, Dr. Caroline Miles, and Professor Barry Godfrey—highlight the increasing complexity of gender-based violence (GBV). While acknowledging that halving violence may seem daunting, they suggest that it is achievable with the right approach.
According to recent data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (2022/23), 27% of women reported being victims of sexual assault, a sharp increase from 19.9% in 2013/14. The academics note that standard responses, such as increased policing or harsher penalties for offenders, are unlikely to address these disturbing statistics. For example, only 1 in 23 domestic abuse cases and fewer than 3 in 100 rapes recorded by police result in convictions. Moreover, much of the violence remains hidden, with the vast majority of GBV going unreported.
Gadd, Miles, and Godfrey argue that a more effective approach would involve understanding the root causes of violence and targeting repeat offenders early. Many of the most dangerous perpetrators have backgrounds shaped by childhood trauma, institutional care, or substance abuse, they note. Often, these men have witnessed or experienced violence within their own homes, particularly against their mothers, and are trapped in cycles of abuse.
The academics propose long-term investment in trauma-informed preventative work with boys and young men, which they believe could significantly reduce the number of repeat offenders in the future. They suggest that working with young people to address early signs of violent behaviour and intervening before it escalates is crucial for breaking the cycle.
Further, emerging research indicates that attitudes towards violence can be shifted through well-designed social media campaigns targeting men and boys. The authors emphasise the importance of sustained engagement, ensuring that opposition is addressed and ultimately leads to a societal shift in attitudes.
However, the experts stress that these efforts must be backed by political leadership and a commitment to societal-level change. They argue that resourcing and supporting key sectors, including the criminal justice system, education, and health services, is vital for the success of such initiatives. Crucially, they call for a national conversation about men’s behaviour, both in private and public settings, to address the broader cultural issues that underpin violence against women.
In conclusion, Gadd, Miles, and Godfrey highlight the importance of not merely reassuring men that they are ‘better’ than the worst offenders but instead engaging them in conversations about how they can actively contribute to reducing violence. They caution that without this wider cultural shift, the government’s target to halve VAWG by 2035 is unlikely to succeed.
The full article, “How to Halve Violence Against Women and Girls,” by Professor David Gadd, Dr. Caroline Miles, and Professor Barry Godfrey, is available on the Policy@Manchester website.