“The next victim could be your daughter" - Campaign to end violence against women and girls in Gosport
Action is being taken in Gosport by Hampshire Police to tackle violence against women and girls - including intimidation and harassment.
As part of the VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) Month of Action, Gosport Police are holding a number of events across the town.
On Thursday, November 27 between 3pm and 4.30pm there will be a beat surgery at the Ferry Gardens specifically aimed at women and girls where officers will have personal attack alarms to hand out and lots of leaflets and information to take away.
During the evenings of December 2 and 3 officers will be patrolling the High Street and surrounding areas in a bid to ensure women and girls feel safe, with those who have concerns urged to speak to officers.
There will be another beat surgery on the 6th December 6 between midday and 1.30pm in the High Street for women and girls.
In a statement Gosport Police said: “Some of you may wonder why we are focussing so much on women and girls. Unfortunately violence against women and girls is still increasing. Statistics show that 1 in 12 women or girls are victims of VAWG each year.
“The type of crimes being committed against women and girls include domestic abuse, intentional strangulation, assaults, harassment, stalking and coercive and controlling behaviour, to name a few examples. On average a women is killed by a man every three days in the UK. The age of victims and perpetrators is getting younger.
“The fact is that women and girls do not feel safe. They still walk around with their keys in their hands and phones ready to call for help. They still walk in groups as there is safety in numbers. They have to be vigilant. They are still being targeted when they are in vulnerable situations.
“The next victim could be your daughter, sister, mother, niece, friend, or colleague. We need to do everything that we can as a community to protect our women and girls against violence.
Meanwhile, Gunwharf Quays came alive with music and purpose as Stop Domestic Abuse partners with Sing Now Choir hosted a special event aims to raise awareness for the global “Orange the World” campaign, which calls for an end to violence against women and girls.
The highlight of the evening sees Spinnaker Tower illuminated in bright orange, thanks to the support of District 11 Inner Wheel, symbolizing solidarity and commitment to ending domestic abuse.
More information on VAWG can be found at enough.campaign.gov.uk. To find out how Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary are tackling VAWG and for more information on support services visit hampshire.police.uk
In an emergency always call 999.