Women and girls are being urged to share how safe they feel in Cumbria through an online survey.
The anonymous survey created by Cumbria Police was launched on March 6 and has since seen nearly 1,3000 people take part.
The deadline for the survey closing is April 2 – and police are urging people to take their time to give their opinion in the meantime.
The online survey seeks opinion on topics including how women and girls feel in their own homes, neighbourhoods and towns – and includes questions about their own experiences.
Police are aiming to use this information to better inform their policing services as part of ongoing work to address the national issue of Violence Against Women and Girls.
A range of work has already been carried out as the constabulary improves and updates its services and response to these offences and these issues.
The survey, which is completely anonymous, is available at: Call it Out Survey 2023 (smartsurvey.co.uk)
Detective Superintendent Sally Blaiklock said: “We’re really pleased with the response so far from the public to this important survey – but the more people fill this in, the better the information we have to work from to inform our policing services.
“The survey is completely anonymous and only takes a few minutes to fill in. This is an extremely important issue and we want to hear your thoughts on how it affects you.”
What is VAWG?
The term Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) refers to acts of violence or abuse that we know disproportionately affect women and girls.
Crimes and behaviour covered by this term include rape and other sexual offences, domestic abuse, stalking, ‘honour’-based abuse – as well as many others, including offences committed online.
Detective Superintendent Blaiklock added: “Violence against women and girls is unacceptable and Cumbria Constabulary and our partners always treat these issues seriously.
“In Cumbria Constabulary, we all wish to deliver an outstanding service and keep all people safe. Cumbria is one of the safest places to live. However, these crimes do happen here.
“They can happen behind closed doors or in public places, online or in the real world. We have carried out a lot of work to address the issue of violence against women and girls and we believe this survey is our latest tool to help our drive to constantly improve.”
The work so far on this issue has seen positive results that means Cumbria has been a leading force nationally in the last year.
Since April 2022, Cumbria has been ranked either first or second in the country for convictions at court in relation to VAWG offences, with an average of between 84 per cent and nearly 87 per cent ending in a guilty plea or verdict.
Cumbria’s police and crime commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “Cumbria is one of the safest places to live in England and Wales. However, we do experience violence against women and girls in the county.
“By better understanding when, where and why women and girls feel unsafe, the police can provide better resources into these areas to help reduce violence that affects women in Cumbria.
“I would urge all women and girls to take part in this survey and let us know your thoughts and opinions.
“If anyone has experienced sexual or domestic violence, they can receive support in Cumbria, whether they wish to report it to the police or not. Victim Support can provide support and signpost to the appropriate services on all types of crime that affects women and girls.
“They can be contacted on 0300 303 0157, Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm or use the online chat 24-hours-a-day at: Get help in Cumbria – Victim Support“
