Understanding violence against women and girls

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Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is both a form of discrimination and a violation of human rights. We have adopted the United Nations declaration on elimination of violence against women to support our understanding of VAWG. 

The UN define VAWG as:

“Any act of gender-based violence that results or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, that is directed at a woman because she is a woman or acts of violence which are suffered disproportionately by women.”

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How we can prevent VAWG

We all have a part to play in ending violence against women and girls - don't pass her by. Here are some ways you can help:

What we are doing

We are working with local community organisations and groups to tackle the problem by prioritising changing behaviours, accessing support, and holding perpetrators to account.

Our strategy is based on a preventative model that has, at the heart of it, plans to deliver the cultural and behavioural shift needed to deliver long-term change in men’s attitudes to women. Most importantly, this strategy is informed by survivors.

Read our VAWG Strategy to find out more.

White Ribbon

As a White Ribbon accredited organisation, we are committed to encouraging allyship within the borough. To do this, we work with local organisations and groups to build community engagement.

The White Ribbon campaign engages men and boys to tackle the prevalence of male violence against women by challenging the culture that can lead to harassment and violence. Our action plan empowers our staff, residents and the community to help end male violence.

Safe Space

The Safe Space outside Clapham Junction Station is available to anyone who might need help or advice on a weekend evening. The police are present at the gazebo to intervene if required.

Visitors will also be able to find information on local support services, White Ribbon and other VAWG initiatives within Wandsworth.

One Stop Shop

The One Stop Shop is the borough’s weekly drop-in service offering free, discrete support, advice and information concerning domestic abuse, stalking and sexual violence.

These drop-in session is attended by Hestia Independent Domestic Abuse Advisors (IDVAs), and advice is on hand from solicitors who can assist on legal advice, and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) who can provide an insight into police process and support in reporting.

Battersea One Stop Shop:

  • When: Every Monday (excluding bank holidays)
  • Time: 10am to 12pm
  • Location: St. Mark’s, Battersea Rise, SW11 1EJ (entrance on Boutflower Road) - see map for Battersea One Stop Shop

Roehampton One Stop Shop:

The Roehampton One Stop Shop is no longer based in Citizens Advice.

Find out about support for domestic abuse.

If you are a local business who could help promote this service, please email kira.evans@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk for copies of the One Stop Shop flyers.

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Safer Streets

We are a member of the South West London Safer Streets Partnership, alongside Kingston, Merton and Richmond Councils and the Metropolitan Police.

This partnership delivers initiatives to engage men as well as provide bystander training to residents, empowering them to support vulnerable people. Learn more about Safer Streets. 

Night Time Strategy

In November 2023, we launched London’s first ever Night Time Strategy.

The strategy sets out how we, working with internal and external partners, can make the night time (everything between 6pm and 6am) a better experience for everyone living, working, and visiting the borough.

This strategy touches on women's safety at night, which is closely linked to the work that we are doing to tackle VAWG and address women's safety. 

Up to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

Updated: 10/09/2024