Following a motion raised by Councillor Kate Gregory on 22 October, Leader Maggie Filipova-Rivers will now write to the Home Secretary and Oxfordshire MPs. The letter will urge the government to increase efforts in preventing violence against women and girls, including the introduction of a long-term national campaign focused on challenging misogyny, promoting healthy relationships, and driving behavioural change.
The council also intends to seek assurances from the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner regarding the addressing of concerns about rape investigations and the provision of specialist resources. The motion acknowledges the broad impact of abuse, encompassing domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, harassment, coercive control, and online abuse.
After discussion, the motion was passed with an amendment specifically highlighting “Men’s” violence against women and girls. It also draws attention to increasing concerns about online misogyny and the particular challenges faced by women from minority ethnic communities, LGBT+ women, and younger women in accessing support.
Councillor Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities, who seconded the motion, stated: “Supporting victims and survivors, promoting prevention and creating safer communities are priorities for this council. We know that some women face additional barriers when seeking help and it is important that support services are accessible, inclusive and well-resourced. Through this motion, we are also calling on national government and partners to take further action to drive meaningful change and improve outcomes for victims and survivors. Victims and survivors must have confidence that crimes will be investigated thoroughly and that action is taken to make communities safer for everyone.”
Councillor Kate Gregory, Councillor for Thame and proposer of the motion, added: “Every woman and girl deserves to feel safe in their home, in their community and online. Violence against women and girls continues to affect far too many people and the impact can be devastating and long-lasting. This is not an issue that can be solved by local authorities alone. We need stronger national leadership, sustained public awareness campaigns and continued action to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that enable abuse to happen in the first place. By supporting this motion, the council is sending a clear message that violence against women and girls must remain a national priority.”
The council continues to support various community safety, safeguarding, and partnership initiatives aimed at ensuring residents' safety and assisting those affected by abuse. Residents experiencing domestic abuse or other forms of violence and abuse can find information about local and national support services on the council’s website.
