Pioneering violence work hailed at Downing Street

Police and Crime Commissioner with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak this week.

Pioneering work to tackle violence against women and girls in Nottinghamshire was brought to the attention of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at an International Women’s Day event at Number 10.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry told the PM how agencies across the city and county were coming together to finalise a new strategy to bring more offenders to justice and ensure no one is left to feel isolated, oppressed or abused.

Commissioner Henry also highlighted how Home Office funding through the Safer Streets programme was helping to put Nottinghamshire on the map for innovation in tackling violence against women and girls.

Projects funded by Safer Streets include Refuge Point cameras which give women in distress direct communication with control room operators at the push of a button – a scheme which started in Notts and is now being replicated nationwide.

Others include Safe Space schemes in shops, offering people in distress a safe haven where staff are trained to help and the businesses are kitted out with high-tech CCTV cameras and lighting.

Commissioner Henry was invited to Downing Street, along with a handful of other Police and Crime Commissioners from across the country, as part of an International Women’s Day event, on Monday.

“The Prime Minister was really enthusiastic about the work we are doing in Nottinghamshire to make our county a safe place for all women and girls,” said Commissioner Henry.

“Sadly, women and girls are disproportionately affected by violence, whether it is physical, emotional or sexual.

“This is a national problem. Nottinghamshire is no different to anywhere in the country in this regard. Where we are different is that we are thinking outside the box, coming up with innovative solutions and bringing everyone together to say enough is enough.”