How can we create a safer society where women and girls no longer live in fear of violence?

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains a national priority. In England and Wales, one in four women is estimated to experience sexual assault in their lifetime, with one in 12 affected every year. The National Police Chiefs’ Council reported that VAWG accounts for nearly 20% of all recorded crime, while reports of rape and sexual assault have increased by over 260% since 2010. In response, the government has introduced a series of measures, including the 2021 Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, the Domestic Abuse Act, and the forthcoming 2025 strategy, which pledges to halve VAWG within the next decade.

Despite these commitments, significant challenges remain. The National Audit Office has warned that previous strategies have failed to deliver improved outcomes, citing limited cross-government coordination, inconsistent victim support, and a justice system struggling to hold perpetrators accountable. Survivors continue to face barriers accessing safe housing, trauma-informed healthcare, and long-term recovery support. Frontline agencies report stretched resources, while new threats such as online harassment and digital exploitation are rapidly evolving.

The Institute of Government & Public Policy (IGPP) is proud to present the Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Conference 2026. This event brings together policymakers, local authorities, law enforcement, healthcare providers, charities and survivor-led organisations to share solutions, strengthen collaboration, and build a whole-system response.

Join the Institute of Government & Public Policy for the Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls Conference 2026 and gain practical insights into prevention strategies, survivor-centred approaches, effective perpetrator interventions, and multi-agency collaboration. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of current policy, examples of innovative practice, and actionable steps to strengthen their organisational response, helping to drive meaningful progress in tackling VAWG.