Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that in domestic homicides, women are overwhelmingly killed by men they know, most often partners, ex-partners, or family members. In the year ending March 2025, of the 75 women killed in domestic settings, all but four were killed by a male suspect. These shocking statistics highlight the ongoing crisis of male violence against women and girls - a crisis that specialist services and government action must urgently address.
The Government has published its long-awaited Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy. This is just the first step; now we need your support to ensure the Government turns promises into action.
Ahead of the Strategy’s publication, Refuge set out five key measures including sustainable funding, stronger prevention of technology-facilitated abuse, effective police accountability, protection for migrant survivors, and cross-government leadership and evaluation – all of which remain critical if the strategy is to deliver real change.
We have been engaging with the Government to ensure the Strategy reflects what we're seeing through our frontline services and in survivors' experiences, and we're pleased to see that today's Strategy goes some way in addressing what we've been asking for. However, the level of investment committed today falls far short of what is needed to address this national emergency.
In the year ending March 2025, an estimated 2.2 million women in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse. Without long-term funding, accountability, and pressure from the public, these commitments risk becoming empty words.
Add your name today to demand that every commitment is honoured and every promise becomes a reality for women and girls experiencing abuse.
