PCC Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts calls on communities to be ‘part of the solution’

At the end of ‘16 Days of Activism' against gender-based violence, Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts has reflected on the progress being made to make women and girls safer.

This annual campaign is aimed at raising awareness of society's responsibility to take action to prevent violence against women and girls and promote gender equality.

The Derbyshire PCC attended a series of events in recognition of the 16 Days of Activism which began on November 25th - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (White Ribbon Day) - and ended on International Human Rights Day on December 10th.

During this period the Government confirmed its commitment to make spiking a specific criminal offence as part of a crackdown on VAWG offences. And in a further move, new measures were unveiled to protect women and girls from stalking including new ‘Right to Know' statutory guidance to empower the police to release the identity of an online stalker at the earliest opportunity.

All of this, said the Commissioner, sent a message to victims that VAWG crimes are taken seriously thereby encouraging more victims to report their experiences to the police.

Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts said: "Every woman has a right to feel safe in their home and in their communities. We can all be part of the solution by challenging the unacceptable behaviour and attitudes that fuel gender-based violence and by ensuring women are treated with the equality and respect they deserve.

"The moves introduced by the Government provide another layer of protection for those affected by these behaviours and send a clear message to perpetrators that their activities will not be tolerated. 

"It is vital that women and girls know that, collectively, we are working to protect them and keep them safe.

"The 16 Days of Activism presented us with an opportunity to raise more awareness of the work partners are undertaking to end violence against women and girls in Derbyshire. This work is happening all day long, every day of the year, and we will continue to take whatever action and steps necessary to give women the safety and freedom they are entitled to.

"I would urge anyone impacted by violence and abuse to come forward at the earliest opportunity - we have a wealth of support and specialist resources dedicated to protecting all victims of crime and helping to promote recovery. Please do not suffer alone."

Nicolle has pledged to step up efforts to tackle VAWG offences, reflecting the strength of feeling on the issue among residents.

A total of 54% of respondents in her recent Police and Crime Plan consultation identified Serious Violence, including VAWG, as either their first, second or third highest priority.

In support of the 16 Days of Activism, Nicolle attended Derbyshire Constabulary's STOP Conference: Empowering Action to End Violence Against Women and Girls where she talked about her Police and Crime Plan and its focus on reducing VAWG.

She told delegates she would increase awareness of the support available for victims during her term and emphasised the necessity of a partnership approach to preventing VAWG crimes and improving women's safety.

In another event, Nicolle was a guest speaker at Rural Action Derbyshire's campaign launch to end VAWG in Matlock.

Alongside partners and organisations from across the county, Nicolle took the opportunity to highlight her commitment to tackling VAWG, explaining why it is a priority within her Police and Crime Plan and highlighting the importance of the bystander approach. She encouraged attendees and the wider community to eradicate unacceptable behaviour by calling it out when they see it and adopting a zero-tolerance approach.

Both engagements were aimed at increasing public confidence and encouraging victims of VAWG crimes to come forward and seek help.