Southampton City Council’s Violence Reduction Unit will be holding a conference on the 17th of February 2022, at St Mary’s Stadium from 9.00 to 15.30pm about violence against women and girls (VAWG).

We are inviting you to hold the date as a much valued partner agency whose contribution will vitalise the discussions on the day.

Violence against women and girls is a violation of human rights, and considered a serious public health issue by the World Health Organisation. The purpose of the day will be to come together as a partnership to raise mutual awareness of the local, national and international efforts to tackle the issue and to discuss what more we can all do as a community prevent these crimes. Recent data shows it is prevalent in the city, and calls for every professional to be aware of these issues and how to respond. The day will bring together key partners such as the police, local support services, and members from the health and education sector to promote a coordinated approach. We are also keen that young people are able to attend and that schools, if able to, to allow students interested or concerned about this subject to attend or with you if this is your preference.

Below is what to expect on the day:

- Opening by Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, who will give an overview of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight OPCC response to VAWG

- Southampton City Council’s VRU will present their local analysis and research conducted in 2021, and how this has shaped their approach in the city

- A representative from National Police Chiefs Council will address the national policing response to VAWG, as well as Hampshire Constabulary and their local policing response to VAWG

- Yellow Door, a Southampton based support service who prevent and respond to domestic and sexual abuse, and their work with VAWG survivors through effective practice.

NOTE: We have plans for an online webinar if this conference can no longer take place in the event there are any restrictions announced which will affect this event going ahead in February. All bookings will be carried over to the online event.

Conference on Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)