Camden Tackles Violence Against Women and Girls

Camden Council is intensifying efforts to combat violence against women and girls (VAWG) within the borough. This encompasses a broad range of issues including sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic abuse, exploitation, and faith or honour-based violence. The council's strategy emphasizes that preventing such violence is a collective responsibility, extending beyond law enforcement to individuals, communities, and institutions.

Addressing the Scale of the Problem

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Statistics highlight the significant challenge Camden faces. It is estimated that one in four women in the borough will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime. Furthermore, in 2024, there were just over two serious sexual offences recorded for every 1,000 women residing in Camden, with officials acknowledging that many incidents likely go unreported. VAWG is described as a major societal injustice that infringes upon women's rights and their ability to live safely and fully.

Prevention and Support Strategies

The borough's strategy focuses on prevention, aiming to shift the burden from potential victims having to alter their behaviour to prevent harm. Key initiatives include working with schools and youth settings to foster healthy relationships from an early age and collaborating with police to modify perpetrator conduct. Camden Council is also training its staff and partner organisations to identify early signs of abuse and connect survivors with necessary assistance. The council has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with police, health services, and community groups. Survivor feedback is central to the approach, guiding efforts to dismantle barriers to support, which can include mental health services, legal advice, and housing assistance, while also ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.

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Cllr Pat Callaghan, cabinet member for Community Resilience at Camden Council, stated that breaking the cycle of violence is everyone's responsibility and urged residents to challenge harmful attitudes. Support services are available for anyone affected by harassment, violence, or domestic abuse.

Accessing Help

Individuals seeking assistance can contact Camden Safety Net, the council’s domestic and sexual violence advocacy service, on 020 7974 2526. Additionally, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline offers 24/7 support and can be reached at 0808 2000 247. In emergencies, the public should call 999.