PCC shines a spotlight on reducing violence against women and girls

Tackling violence against women and girls was the focus of the latest accountability session between Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion and Chief Constable Pippa Mills.

On Monday 19 December, the PCC held the Chief Constable to account on issues that matter to victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence and their families.

The formal meeting was an opportunity to highlight the positive steps West Mercia Police has made to protect victims by increasing arrest rates for domestic abuse and improving the speed of investigations. There was also acknowledgement that there is more that needs to be done.

Money allocated by the PCC to increase police officer numbers will be used to recruit five additional police officers to work in communities across the three counties specialising in violence against women and girls.

The PCC received assurance that measures to improve the victim journey and time taken for justice will be improved by continuing to strengthen links with the Crown Prosecution Service and other partners.

There will also be a continued focus on making sure the victim’s voice is heard by establishing closer links between the force and with a range of services the PCC commissions.

PCC John Campion said: “I am fully committed to tackling violence against women and girls. Domestic abuse and sexual violence are rightly in the national consciousness following the national White Ribbon campaign and World Cup. I wanted to use the final holding to account meeting of 2022 to focus on the issues that matter to victims and survivors in West Mercia.

“As the voice of the public in policing, the meeting was an opportunity to support and challenge West Mercia Police to both acknowledge the positive improvements they have made but to ensure they are making the necessary steps to continue this progress. We must do better, and I will continue to make the resources available to put victims and survivors first.”