Violence Against Women and Girls: call for evidence – deadline next Friday 

As you are aware, the Home Office continues to run a Call for Evidence which is seeking to collect views on crimes considered as violence against women and girls (VAWG). As part of this work, Minister Atkins took part in a Mumsnet webchat responding to questions on VAWG crimes yesterday. There are just 7 days left until the consultation closes on 19th February. Please share the Call for Evidence with your networks and on your social channels.

The easiest way to share your views is to respond to the online survey available for the general public. Written submissions can also be sent to [email protected].

Ask for ANI codeword scheme and interview with HRH The Duchess of Cornwall 

The Government launched the Ask for ANI codeword scheme with independent and Boots pharmacies in January. Today, SafeLives published an interview with HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, who offered her support for the scheme.

Thank you to all those who supported the launch. We have produced downloadable assets including posters and social media images for you to use. So far, help for victims has been accessed more than 20 times at participating pharmacies. We continue to welcome any feedback about how the scheme has been implemented locally. For more information or materials, please email [email protected].

Postcode checker for rapid testing sites and COVID-19 toolkit 

A new postcode checker function has been launched to help individuals find their nearest rapid testing site. This is part of the Community Testing Programme and focuses on providing testing for those who can’t work from home. We have also attached the latest Cabinet Office toolkit with further information and social assets on COVID-19, including testing and vaccines.

#SomethingsNotRight, #YouAreNotAlone and Community Safeguarding campaign materials  

The Home Office is still running a number of campaigns in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

• ‘Something’s Not Right’ aims to help secondary school children in England who suffered a range of harms, such as sexual and physical abuse, during lockdown. More information is available on the campaign web page and campaign materials are available to download from the campaign portal.
• #YouAreNotAlone aims to raise awareness and signpost to information and support available for victims, family/friends and perpetrators of domestic abuse. On GOV.UK there is full guidance including easy read guidance on getting help for Domestic Abuse during the coronavirus pandemic. Campaign materials, including a partner pack, employer pack and translated assets, are available to download.
• The Community Safeguarding Leaflet contains information and guidance for those who are still operating in communities to recognize the signs of abuse or neglect. The guidance covers signs to spot and what to do if there is a concern.

Stakeholder news and campaigns

Respect launches ‘Living a life by permission’ report   

This week Respect and Durham University have launched a research report detailing the experiences of 344 male victims of domestic abuse during COVID-19.

SafeLives support and wellbeing offer for frontline practitioners 

SafeLives has developed a support and wellbeing offer for frontline DA practitioners in England and Wales, as part of their ‘Staying Safe at Home’ work. The aim of the sessions is to increase morale and resilience for frontline practitioners, which will enable services to remain available.

Women’s Aid launches healthy relationship Expect Respect toolkit

Women’s Aid is launching the Expect Respect Healthy Relationship Toolkit to help children and young people recognise key warning signs of abuse and promote healthy relationships, as part of Yves Saint Laurent Beauty UK’s Abuse is Not Love programme.

The toolkit aims to educate children and young people on the root causes of violence including gender based violence and is free to download. You can also register as an Expect Respect Advocate and receive support, including free training to use the toolkit and a professional network to share best practice.