Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is defined by the Home Office as acts of violence or abuse that we know disproportionately affect women and girls. This can be any form of behaviour or violence women and girls are subjected to by men that physically, mentally or emotionally affects them. This can include:

• Domestic violence and abuse

• Coercive and controlling behaviour

• Modern slavery

• Sexual violence, abuse and exploitation

• Sexual harassment

• Stalking

• Honour based violence and abuse (including FGM and forced marriage)

• Misogyny

• Street harassment

These behaviours make women and girls feel unsafe, are not acceptable and will not be tolerated in Staffordshire. We are committed to tackling this behaviour and improving safety for women and girls in our communities.

Our approach

Helping end violence against women and girls is a priority for us and we are working with our partners to improve safety for women and girls across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

This follows the launch of the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) national strategy on how forces can support women and girls who are victims of violence and harassment.

We are focusing on a number of areas to help women and girls feel safe. This includes:

• Night time economy

• Drink spiking

• Rape and consent

• Domestic abuse and violence

You can read about our Violence Against Women and Girls strategy.

White Ribbon accredited

We achieved our White Ribbon accreditation in 2022 as a result of working with White Ribbon UK to draft a three-year action plan to set the goals to tackle violence against women. The action plan is the force's commitment to achieve the best service for vulnerable victims and survivors, and supports on-going work to tackle violence, abuse and intimidation against women and girls (VAIWG).

We encourage all men to make the White Ribbon Promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women. By doing so, you’re becoming part of a wider movement to end violence and helping to make a difference to the lives of many people. Let’s stand together and speak up. Wearing a White Ribbon is a powerful visual way to share our message and this can help start important conversations with others.

Make the White Ribbon promise

How to report this behaviour?

If you or someone you know has experience any of this behaviour, we encourage you to report it. You can report a crime and provide information to us in a number of ways:

• Call us on 101

• If it’s an emergency, dial 999

• On our online chat services

• Report it online

• Private messages us on Facebook or Twitter

• Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Where to get help and support?

New Era
Help for victims and perpetrators in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

Glow Domestic Abuse Service (supporting North Staffordshire)
Support for victims, their families, and for perpetrators.

Pathway (supporting Lichfield and Tamworth)
Provides help for adults, young people and children who are affected by domestic abuse.

Savana (covers Newcastle, Staffordshire Moorlands, Stoke-on-Trent)

SARAC (covers Burton, Lichfield, Tamworth, Uttoxeter, Swadlincote)

Staffordshire Women’s Aid (covers Stafford, South Staffs, Cannock)

The Survivor’s Trust (Rape and Sexual Violence Services)
08088 010818