Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, has emphasized the importance of addressing violence against women and girls, highlighting the need for a new strategy to combat this national emergency. She has emphasized the importance of prevention, stopping abusers, and providing more support for victims in her plan. Phillips acknowledges the delays in launching this strategy but remains determined to achieve the goal of halving violence against women and girls within a decade. She is committed to working across government departments to ensure effective implementation and coordination, stating that she will be «getting up in everybody’s business» to make sure this issue is properly addressed. «I have made a conscious effort to discuss with my children the issue of strangulation, emphasizing that it is not considered normal sexual behavior. Women deserve to feel safer, and that is why it has taken so long to address this issue.» Phillips is determined to make a change and her strategy involves focusing on both men and boys, not just women and girls. Prevention and stopping abuse are key components of her approach. She recognizes the importance of addressing the issue of young people being exposed to violent pornography, as the age profile of perpetrators is decreasing. The strategy includes banning strangulation in porn and providing mandatory guidance in secondary schools to raise awareness of how pornography is linked to misogyny. As a mother of two teenagers herself, Phillips emphasizes the need for all parents to have open and explicit conversations with their children about what constitutes normal sexual behavior. She has personally had these conversations with her own children, stressing the importance of understanding the difference between healthy and harmful sexual practices. Jess Phillips emphasizes the importance of discussing strangulation with her children as a way to address abnormal sexual behavior.

Since 2010, there have been three strategies by three successive governments to address violence against women and girls (VAWG), with one refresh. The scale of violence against women and girls was described as a «national emergency» by police chiefs in 2024, with over one million incidents reported in 2022/3, comprising 20% of all police recorded crime.

It is estimated that at least one in every 12 women will be a victim of VAWG, though the actual number is likely higher due to underreporting. The government is launching a new strategy, led by Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, to address this issue.

The new strategy aims to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, addressing past failures highlighted by the National Audit Office (NAO). The plan focuses on prevention, stopping abusers, and providing more victim support.

Despite facing delays, Phillips is determined to achieve the target and has implemented measures to improve cross-government collaboration.

Phillips remains committed to her goal, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and coordination across government departments to effectively combat VAWG.

«That’s why it has taken so long.» I have attempted to have conversations with them regarding topics such as strangulation, emphasizing that it is completely different from normal sexual behavior due to the potential exposure they may have. The failure to effectively address violence against women and girls is a disappointing reality that affects countless mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, and friends. It’s a situation that leaves one feeling overwhelmed with disappointment, as strategy after strategy falls short of protecting those who have experienced abuse.

Today, a new strategy spearheaded by Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, will be unveiled in an attempt to finally address this issue. The goal is to cut violence against women and girls in half over the next decade, following what Phillips refers to as a series of systemic failures.

The plan, which has been delayed multiple times, focuses on prevention by challenging misogyny and promoting healthy relationships among boys and young men, increasing efforts to stop abusers, and providing more support for victims. Despite the setbacks, Phillips remains determined to achieve these goals, emphasizing the importance of coordination across government departments to ensure success.

Critics have voiced concerns about the delays, citing the potential risks to vulnerable individuals. However, Phillips remains steadfast in her commitment to making a difference, promising a comprehensive action plan with clear timelines and a collaborative approach to tackling this urgent issue. «That is the reason for the delay.» I have attempted to communicate with them regarding topics such as strangulation, emphasizing that it is completely abnormal and not in any way related to typical sexual behavior due to the potential exposure they may have had.

Criticism over handling of grooming gangs

As an advocate for domestic violence awareness and now a minister tasked with reducing VAWG, Phillips has faced criticism for the government’s approach to grooming gangs. Fiona Goddard, a survivor of abuse by an organized street gang in Bradford, resigned from her role on the victims panel and called for the minister’s resignation over her management of the inquiry setup, which Phillips acknowledged was personally challenging.

She expressed, «I’m not going to sugarcoat it – it’s tough when the thing you care most about is subject to criticism. I accept Fiona Goddard’s right to criticize me, but when others who lack experience in this field use it for political gain, I find it disheartening.»

Phillips continued, «One of the challenges I face is being held to a higher standard than others. While it’s expected given my role, I believe my experience sets me apart from previous incumbents.»

‘The strategy isn’t the end, it’s the beginning’

Phillips, who herself has been targeted with online abuse over grooming gangs, now requires police protection. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to her work, stating, «The strategy marks a new beginning, not a conclusion. While it has taken a toll on me mentally, I am not alone in this endeavor. The benefits outweigh the challenges.»

The strategy spearheaded by Phillips is the fourth in 15 years. Following previous attempts, she is determined that this time will yield different results, emphasizing the importance of protecting women and girls.

There have been three strategies by three successive governments to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG) since 2010, and one refresh. The impact of these initiatives is evident in the alarming statistics provided by police chiefs in 2024, who labeled violence against women and girls as a national emergency. With over one million reported incidents in 2022/3, accounting for 20% of all police recorded crime, the scale of the issue is undeniable.

Despite the staggering figures, it is important to note that many cases of violence against women and girls go unreported, indicating that the actual number of victims is likely higher. The prevalence of abuse in society means that it is highly probable that you know a woman who has experienced such mistreatment. The failure to protect women and girls from abuse is a heartbreaking reality that demands urgent action. Today, a new strategy led by Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, will be launched to address this issue. The goal is to cut violence against women and girls in half within a decade, following a series of government shortcomings highlighted by the National Audit Office.

The strategy, which focuses on prevention, stopping abusers, and supporting victims, has faced multiple delays but is finally set to be implemented. Phillips, a long-time advocate for victims of domestic violence, is determined to break the cycle of failures and ensure accountability across government departments.

Despite criticism over the delays, Phillips remains steadfast in her commitment to delivering tangible results. With a detailed action plan and an inter-ministerial VAWG group in place, she is determined to hold all stakeholders accountable and drive meaningful change. The strategy aims to challenge misogyny, empower law enforcement, and provide comprehensive support to victims, signaling a new era of government intervention in addressing violence against women and girls. That is the reason for the delay.»

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