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In a significant policy announcement, the UK government has provided new details on its ambitious manifesto pledge to “halve violence against women and girls in a decade,” revealing a measurement approach that has raised questions about its scope and effectiveness.
The government’s chosen metric for tracking progress will monitor the percentage of people who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking in the past year. However, this measurement excludes girls under 16 years of age while including male victims, potentially complicating the assessment of violence specifically targeting women and girls.
Data will be collected through the Crime Survey of England and Wales, conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which regularly samples adults over 16 about their experiences with crime. This methodology helps capture incidents that go unreported to police—a crucial consideration given that sexual assault and domestic abuse are notoriously underreported crimes.
According to the most recent survey from March 2024, just before Labour took office, approximately one in nine people (11.3 percent) in England and Wales had experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking in the previous year. This represents about 3.4 million women and 2 million men affected by these offenses. The government aims to reduce this overall rate by half by March 2034.
The Home Office has indicated it is still collaborating with the ONS to develop appropriate measures for tracking violence against those under 16. A spokesperson emphasized that “children and girls under 16 who experience sexual abuse and exploitation are considered throughout the Strategy, with specific commitments aimed at tackling these appalling crimes.”
Despite questions about the measurement approach, the fully unveiled strategy does include initiatives targeting younger demographics. These measures include support for schools to challenge misogyny and other programs designed to address root causes of gender-based violence before adulthood.
The government’s declaration of violence against women and girls as a “national emergency” comes amid increasing concerns about gender-based violence in the UK. Advocacy groups have long called for more comprehensive approaches to addressing the issue, particularly following high-profile cases that have heightened public awareness in recent years.
Using survey data rather than police reports represents a methodologically sound approach, as it captures the significant portion of these crimes that never reach law enforcement. However, critics may question whether the inclusion of male victims and exclusion of girls under 16 in the headline metric dilutes the focus on violence specifically targeting females.
The challenge of measuring violence against minors reflects both statistical difficulties and ethical considerations in surveying vulnerable young people. Child protection experts have noted that violence and abuse experienced during childhood often goes unreported until adulthood, if ever.
This policy announcement comes as part of the new Labour government’s broader law and order agenda, which has placed significant emphasis on tackling violence against women and girls. The government has described its approach as “the largest crackdown in British history” on such violence.
As implementation begins, stakeholders across sectors including law enforcement, education, healthcare, and victim support services will be watching closely to see how the government’s strategy translates into practical action and measurable results in communities across England and Wales.
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8 Comments
The government’s efforts to tackle violence against women and girls are an important step, but the measurement approach raises some red flags. Striking the right balance between inclusivity and specificity will be crucial for meaningful progress.
While the intention to halve violence against women and girls is commendable, the decision to include men in the primary metric seems puzzling. Developing targeted strategies requires a clear understanding of the specific challenges faced by women and girls.
Tracking unreported incidents through surveys is a smart approach, but the chosen metrics raise some questions about how effectively this policy will address violence specifically targeting women and girls. More nuanced data collection may be needed.
I agree. Refining the measurement approach to better reflect the gendered nature of this issue could lead to more impactful interventions.
Measuring violence against women and girls is a complex issue. While including male victims is important, excluding girls under 16 seems like a concerning oversight that could understate the full scope of the problem.
You raise a good point. Capturing data on violence against minors is crucial for understanding and addressing this challenge comprehensively.
Addressing violence against vulnerable groups like women and girls is critical, so getting the measurement right is key. I’m curious to see how this policy evolves to ensure it effectively captures and responds to the unique dynamics involved.
Collecting comprehensive data on unreported crimes is a valuable approach, but the exclusion of girls under 16 is concerning. Ensuring the policy framework fully reflects the experiences of all affected groups should be a priority.