Preventing violence against women and girls

As the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, I have made a firm commitment to combat all forms of violence against women and girls. To achieve this my office has been collaborating closely with Surrey Police, partner agencies and local charities to bring attention to the inappropriate behaviour of some men, to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions, and to ensure that victims of these awful crimes receive the best possible assistance and support.

Key progress during 2023/24: 

• Abuse Hub in Surrey: A major project to tackle domestic abuse and stalking was given the green light following my office making a successful bid to the Home Office Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Fund. The funding has established the Surrey Steps to Change Hub, a safe space where individuals can benefit from localised, specialist support to increase survivor safety and reduce harm from perpetrators of domestic abuse and stalking. The hub brings together ‘navigators’ from expert local services who work collaboratively to discuss cases and provide appropriate support. Programmes on offer include interventions for domestic abuse perpetrators to work towards positive behaviour change and to develop respectful, non-abusive relationships, as well as a specialist intervention for people who have obsessive and controlling behaviours which manifest in stalking. There is integrated support for survivors and also specially tailored support for children and adolescents using harmful behaviours in their close relationships.
• Working with partners to create a shared commitment to victims in Surrey: Funding local services is a key part of my role and during 2023/24 violence and domestic abuse, awareness campaigns, specialist support for children and young people, and much more. In November, I was honoured to welcome many of these vital service providers to join me at Surrey Police HQ, where we came together to discuss improvements to the care that victims of crime receive. The event was the first time that most of the chief executives and advisors from victim services in Surrey had come together in-person since the Covid-19 pandemic. During the day they worked with members of my office to explore the challenges and opportunities that they face when supporting individuals, and how both the OPCC and wider agencies can better support their work. We will be using this invaluable feedback to support development of my new Police and Crime Plan for 2025-28 and ongoing work with Surrey Police.
• Supporting convictions for serious sexual offences: Every police force in England and Wales has now signed up to Operation Soteria, a joint policing and prosecutions programme. This Home Office funded initiative aims to develop new operating models for the investigation and prosecution of rape in a bid to double the number of cases reaching court. In July I was pleased to host Edward Argar, the Minister for Victims and Sentencing, to discuss the implementation of Op Soteria in Surrey. During his visit to Guildford, he joined a tour of Surrey’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) to learn more about the work that is currently being done to support survivors locally. It’s vital that this work is both transformative and sustainable, and both the Chief and I accept that such a change takes time. However, we are moving at pace and the end of year data for Serious Sexual Offences in Surrey demonstrates a positive trend. Surrey’s Chief Constable has also ensured that improving support to victims of violence against women and girls and increasing our solved outcome rate is front and centre of his new Force strategy.
• Working with schools to develop healthier and respectful behaviours: I was thrilled to support the introduction of the new Safer Communities Programme, which is aimed at enhancing community safety education for Year Six pupils, aged 10 to 11, in Surrey’s schools. This initiative is part of the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education that students receive to stay healthy and prepare for their futures. Developed in collaboration between Surrey County Council, Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, the programme includes innovative digital resources designed to educate young people on crucial themes such as personal and community safety, physical and mental health, and the principles of being a conscientious community member. The materials, which have been shaped by feedback from young people and educators over the past year, cover vital skills such as asserting their right to say ‘no’, understanding healthy relationships and knowing how to act in an emergency. My office, in close collaboration with the Council and our partners, has focused this project on enhancing the support available to teachers, directly reflecting the voices and needs of the young people and educators it is designed to benefit. It is my hope that these resources will provide memorable and impactful lessons that not only build healthy relationships and decision-making skills, but also reduce vulnerabilities that criminals may exploit, reinforcing the message that support is available whenever it is needed.
• Better support to victims of domestic abuse in rural communities: Recognising that crime can impact on different communities in different ways, we have commissioned a dedicated Rural Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to support victims who may face unique challenges due to their geographic isolation. This advisor provides tailored assistance, ensuring that victims have access to critical resources, safety planning, and emotional support regardless of their location. Our aim is to bridge the gap in services between urban and rural areas, ensuring that all victims of domestic abuse receive the help they need to reclaim their lives and move forward in safety and confidence.

Explore further data concerning Surrey Police progress against this priority.

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