Faith, justice and the call to end violence against women and girls

Writer Michelle Tant responds to the Government’s new ten-year strategy on violence against women and girls, welcoming its recognition of VAWG as a national emergency. She argues that this moment calls the church to active, gospel-rooted responsibility in seeking justice and protecting women and girls.

Just before Christmas the Government released its ten-year strategy to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG). Finally recognising VAWG as a national emergency, the headlines are clear. Sustained commitment is required to tackle the deep-rooted societal factors which perpetrate abuse. Key to the strategy is prevention, support for victims, a relentless pursuit of the perpetrators as well as societal accountability. As Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, states, “Violence against women and girls is everyone’s business”.