“Councils are determined to help tackle domestic abuse and FGM in our local communities, and work alongside police, the NHS, and charities to make sure we do all we can to protect women and girls from all forms of abuse.
Responding to the updated strategy to end violence against women and girls, published by government today, Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Safer and Stronger Communities Board at the Local Government Association, which runs the National FGM Centre in partnership with Barnardo’s, said:
“Councils are determined to help tackle domestic abuse and FGM in our local communities, and work alongside police, the NHS, and charities to make sure we do all we can to protect women and girls from all forms of abuse.
“We are pleased the Government has committed to commissioning research into what links exist between online pornography and harmful attitudes towards women and girls, which the LGA has previously called for, as well as a national training programme to raise awareness of forced marriage and FGM Protection Orders, and funding to support older victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
“There needs to be greater investment in early intervention and prevention schemes that helps stop domestic abuse occurring in the first place and we need to work with perpetrators to understand and challenge their behaviour, as well as raise awareness in schools which is crucial to ensuring that children and young people understand what a healthy relationship is.
“With local government facing an overall £8 billion funding gap by 2025, any legislative changes in the Government’s forthcoming Domestic Abuse Bill must be matched with adequate resources and funding.”