Justice is essential to tackling violence against women and girls – Bar Council

The government has issued it’s new ‘Strategy to Tackle Violence against Women and Girls’.

Responding, Bar Council Chair Barbara Mills KC said: “Prevention is key to tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG). While it’s promising that this is reflected in the first part of the government’s strategy, the measures announced so far only address a fraction of what’s needed to tackle this public emergency.  

“Justice is essential to tackling VAWG and this must be recognised. That means investing across the justice system so that it can play its part in tackling VAWG, whether that be the criminal, family or civil justice system. We know that the courts can not only protect victims but prevent future harm. This is only possible if the system is properly resourced to deliver the accessible, survivor-centred justice focused on early intervention and prevention that’s desperately needed.”