Violence Against Women and Girls Crime Prevention Advice

What is Violence Against Women and Girls?

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of harmful behaviours that disproportionately affect women and girls. These forms of abuse are rooted in gender inequality and are often driven by the misuse of power and control.

VAWG can be perpetrated by anyone, including intimate partners, family members, colleagues, acquaintances, or strangers. While women and girls are disproportionately affected, VAWG also impacts children who witness or experience abuse, and they should be recognised as victims in their own right.

VAWG can involve physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, or economic harm. It can occur in both private and public settings, including within relationships, families, workplaces, communities, and online environments.

These crimes typically include:

• Domestic Abuse (DA)
• Stalking and Harassment
• Sexual Violence
• Honour-based abuse (HBA)
• Forced marriage
• Female genital mutilation (FGM)
• Abuse facilitated thorough online digital platforms

This section will outline strategies to help you prevent and respond to situations where you might be a victim or a witness of: