Standing Together’s Response to the Public Accounts Committee Report on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse welcomes the findings of the Public Accounts Committee’s inquiry into Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). The report provides a critical and necessary assessment of the Government’s approach to tackling VAWG, which is a thorough and transparent analysis.
We are honoured that Standing Together’s evidence has been cited in the report, specifically in reference to the importance of specialist ‘by and for’ services, which remain crucial in ensuring that all survivors receive tailored and effective support. Our full evidence submission is also included in the report’s appendix, reflecting our commitment to improving national understanding and response to domestic abuse.
We are also grateful for the Committee’s emphasis on a ‘Whole System Response’ - a vital recognition of the need for a coordinated, multi-agency approach to tackling VAWG—an approach that aligns with our own Coordinated Community Response (CCR) model, which has proven successful in improving outcomes for survivors across the UK. We agree with the Committee’s view that the NHS, as a key point of contact for many victims, must play a more active role in building a national understanding of domestic abuse. Crime survey and policing data alone barely scratch the surface of this issue. Our Whole Health response stresses the crucial role of health services, where many survivors first seek help, in identifying abuse early and contributing to a comprehensive national picture—beyond what crime and policing data alone can capture. Read our Evaluation Report: Health — Standing Together
We also welcome the Committee’s recognition of the sector’s expertise, the importance of sustainable funding, and the need for survivor voices to be central to the development and delivery of the upcoming VAWG Strategy. These principles have always been at the heart of our work, and we believe they are key to achieving meaningful, long-term change.
We support the recommendations directed at the Home Office, including the call for:
Clear accountability for all government departments in tackling VAWG.
Enhanced engagement with services supporting survivors to gain a true understanding of demand and survivor experiences.
Improved coordination of funding and spending across VAWG-related activities.
A strong focus on preventative measures and effective education, particularly through the Department for Education and online safety initiatives.
Cherryl Henry-Leach, CEO of Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse, said:
"Addressing violence against women and girls demands coordinated action, sustained funding, and the expertise of specialist services. We’re honoured to be part of this vital conversation and urge the government to put survivors’ needs at the heart of its strategy."
As we continue our work, Standing Together remains committed to collaborating with government departments, public bodies, and frontline services to ensure that the upcoming VAWG Strategy is informed by best practice and has a lasting, positive impact on the lives of survivors.