PCC reaffirms commitment to tackling violence against women and girls

On the five-year anniversary of the murder of Sarah Everard, PCC John Campion has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling violence against women and girls and ensuring victims’ voices remain at the heart of change.

In West Mercia, crimes of violence against women and girls have risen by 2.3% since 2024, with 20,412 offences recorded in 2025.

As part of his pledge to address harm disproportionately perpetrated by men, the PCC funds a wide range of organisations and initiatives designed to empower women, provide practical safety support and drive long‑term behaviour change among perpetrators. Some of this work includes –

• Perpetrator programmes aimed at challenging and changing behaviours – DRIVE and Men & Masculinities
• Independent Domestic Violence Advisors and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors providing support for victims
• #Cut It Out – free domestic abuse awareness training
• Running safe, running free – research into the harassment of female runners
• A drink‑spiking awareness and prevention campaign
• Safe Space – a cross‑partnership initiative delivering a Safe Space Van in Worcester during the night‑time economy
• Self‑defence classes for women and girls to build confidence and practical skills
• Thousands of personal safety alarms distributed since 2016
• A Lived Experience Scheme enabling victims to shape services

PCC John Campion said: “Society must listen to, learn from and act on the lived experiences of women and girls. Five years on, the need to confront violence against women and girls remains as urgent as ever.

“In West Mercia, I will continue to play my part in challenging harmful behaviours, supporting those affected and investing in long‑term change that makes our communities safer.

“We all know there is more to do. I remain committed to working with partners, listening to women and girls, and ensuring their voices shape the action we take to consign this behaviour to the history books.”