Jess Phillips: Tackling Violence, Discussing Strangulation’s Impact on Children

In recent years, the issue of violence against women and girls (VAWG) has escalated in the UK. In 2024, police chiefs termed it “a national emergency.” They reported over one million incidents of VAWG for the year 2022/2023, which made up 20% of all recorded police crime.

Statistics indicate that one in every twelve women will experience violence, though actual figures may be significantly higher due to underreporting. With such alarming figures, it is evident that existing strategies are failing to protect vulnerable populations effectively.

New Initiative Led by Jess Phillips

The government is set to unveil a fresh strategy aimed at combating VAWG, spearheaded by Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister. The goal is to halve incidents of violence against women and girls within a decade, following what Phillips describes as “a catalogue of failures” in prior attempts.

A review by the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted shortcomings in action plans, including inadequate implementation and a lack of comprehensive oversight. Many previous strategies were criticized for being overly focused on victim support without adequate prevention measures or inter-departmental cooperation.

The Three Pillars of the New Strategy

Phillips’ new plan is structured around three main pillars:

• Prevention: Engaging young boys and men to challenge misogynistic attitudes and foster healthy relationships.
• Stopping Abusers: Enhancing police resources to locate and penalize abusers more effectively.
• Victim Support: Strengthening the support systems for victims of violence.

This initiative has faced delays, originally planned for launch in spring, now arriving 18 months into a Labour government. Critics argue that such postponements endangered lives and exacerbated the ongoing crisis.

Addressing Youth Engagement and Prevention

Part of Phillips’ determination includes engaging with young people. Research indicates that exposure to violent content online is influencing younger audiences. Notably, a concerning statistic highlights that one in four individuals aged 18 to 29 have favorable views toward controversial figures like Andrew Tate. Phillips notes that preventive measures must be taken to avoid further escalation of VAWG.

Educational Initiatives and Open Conversations

Education plays a pivotal role in this strategy. Schools will implement mandatory lessons that promote understanding of healthy relationships and the dangers of online content. Phillips emphasizes that discussions around topics like strangulation must happen openly. As a parent herself, she advocates for explicit conversations with children to demystify unhealthy behaviors depicted in media.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Amidst campaigning on VAWG, Phillips also faces criticism over the government’s handling of grooming gangs, which has led to public outcry and personal backlash. Yet, she remains unfazed, stating that the new strategy is just the beginning of a long journey towards meaningful change.

As the fourth VAWG strategy in 15 years launches, optimism remains fraught with skepticism. However, Phillips’ commitment to change, collaboration across government departments, and her focus on preventive measures offer hope for significantly reducing violence against women and girls in the UK.