“When you have experienced violence and abuse, especially gendered abuse, it can be hard to speak out and sometimes even harder for others to really hear. The VAWG Voices group is a safe place to speak out, but it is so much more than that. It is a place for women to be heard by people who not only understand, but who can make real changes for other women.” These are the words of a member of VAWG Voices – a group that was initiated by Lincolnshire Police to consider the issue of Violence Against Women and Girls.
This group of women have knowledge and lived experience that they share with police and partners to help change things for the better for the next generations.
Some of the things VAWG Voices have been involved in so far include:
• Forming part of a working group with the Domestic Abuse Partnership to look at what safe accommodation looks like in Lincolnshire.
• Visiting the County Court and suggesting changes to their dedicated victim/witness room to the delivery manager which will make the victim feel safer.
• Being part of Lincolnshire Police scrutiny panels.
• Providing their views to the officer in charge of digital forensics in relation to how the police examine victims’ phones and the level of data which is retained.
• Exploring what support women can expect from door staff if they have any concerns on an evening out.
• Working with the Lincolnshire Police communications team to share their experience with the public in a bid to raise awareness and encourage others to come forward.
Are you interested in being a part of positive change in policing? Do you have experience as a victim or survivor of violence against women and girls? You can find out more about the VAWG Voices group here: https://www.lincs.police.uk/news/lincolnshire/news/2023/jan-2023/vawg-voices-independent-advisory-group-for-violence-against-women-and-girls/
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