Reducing violence against women and girls and breaking the cycle of domestic abuse

“We will not tolerate male violence and abuse against women and girls in any form.” That’s the message from Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, as #EssexUnites following the launch of the White Ribbon campaign and 16 days of action against domestic abuse. [caption id="attachment_26189" align="alignleft" width="300"] PFCC Roger Hirst[/caption] Reducing violence against women and girls and breaking the cycle of domestic abuse are two of the priorities in the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan which was approved last month. He said: “Our objective is to support a cultural change within society and provide strong, consistent, and vocal support for the safety of women and girls whether they report crimes against them or not, so that no woman or girl feels unsafe in her community or in public. We will also give a voice to those who need protection, support the vulnerable and reduce the number of people who become a victim of crime in their communities or their homes.” You can read more about these priorities and how they will be actioned here: Police and Crime Plan - Essex Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner (pfcc.police.uk) The PFCC’s office also commissions a range of services and support across Essex to help survivors as well as funding programmes for perpetrators to help them change their behaviour. The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB) brings partners and agencies across Greater Essex together to form a joint response to breaking the cycle of domestic abuse. Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Jane Gardner, chairs the board. [caption id="attachment_26202" align="alignright" width="300"] Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Jane Gardner, chair of SETDAB[/caption]

She said: Only by working together can we help people be safe. The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Partnership is making great progress in helping survivors and educating perpetrators to change their behaviour.” “Campaigns like White Ribbon Day and the 16 days of action really help us to focus our efforts and highlight all of the support and help there is available to people.”

Help is available for anybody suffering abuse. For more information please visit www.setdab.org