Combatting Violence Against Women and Girls: Is the Government Doing Enough?

By Isabella Cottingham

The widespread and extensive violence committed against women and girls is a deeply entrenched and systemic problem that demands urgent and comprehensive action. Keir Starmer’s 2023 pledge to halve VAWG within a decade was a significant commitment, but the 2025 watchdog report revealing the Home Office’s failure to lead an effective whole-system response underscores the challenges in translating promises into tangible outcomes. Highlighting critical gaps in the government’s approach, this also raises questions about its prioritisation of VAWG as a national emergency.

The government has a fundamental duty to protect its citizens, and this includes ensuring the safety and dignity of women and girls. The justice system must be strengthened through specialized courts, trained law enforcement, and a survivor-centred approach that prioritizes the safety and well-being of victims. Introducing Raneem’s law, which aims to protect domestic abuse survivors, was a step in the right direction. However, this responsibility extends beyond reactive measures, such as prosecuting offenders, to proactive strategies that address the root causes of violence — harsh sentences alone are insufficient and do not address the root causes of violence. Without a cohesive, multi-agency strategy, the government risks perpetuating a cycle of violence and inadequate support for survivors.

The return of Donald Trump to the White House has set a horrifying precedent on this transnational issue and requires the UK to take a stronger leadership role in advocating for women’s rights internationally. The President’s history of misogynistic remarks and allegations of sexual assault, coupled with his policy rollbacks on women’s rights, drastically undermines global efforts to eradicate VAWG. His administration’s decision to rescind Executive Order 11246, which protected federal contract workers from workplace discrimination, damages efforts to combat gender-based discrimination. This global regression signals a disturbing trend which must be categorically rebuked with real actions, not just rhetoric.

Without sustained political will, adequate funding, and a unified strategy, the government’s efforts to combat VAWG will struggle to move beyond rhetoric to deliver tangible outcomes for women and girls.

The internet has compounded the impact of such global trends. Whilst it provides a platform for survivors to share their stories and for activists to mobilise, it has also become a breeding ground for misogynistic ideologies. Figures like the Tate brothers, who promote toxic masculinity and violence against women, have gained significant online followings. Their detrimental influence, particularly among young men, highlights the urgent need for stricter regulation of online content. Social media platforms must take greater responsibility for monitoring and removing harmful material, and governments should consider legislation to hold these platforms accountable for failing to address misogynistic rhetoric.

The government’s current efforts to address VAWG have fallen short of what is needed to tackle this pervasive issue. To truly make progress, the government must prioritise VAWG as a national emergency, dedicating the necessary resources and political will to create a safer, equitable society for all. It is clear that only through a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach can we hope to achieve meaningful, necessary  change. 

To effectively address VAWG, the government must adopt a multi-pronged approach that includes:

1. Increased Funding for Support Services: Survivors need access to shelters, counselling, and legal aid. Current funding levels are insufficient to meet the demand, leaving many women and girls without the critical support they need.

2. Education and Prevention Programs: Schools and communities must implement programs that challenge harmful gender norms and promote healthy relationships. Early intervention is key to preventing violence before it occurs.

3. Strengthening the Justice System: Dedicated courts and specialist prosecutors, as proposed by Starmer, could improve the handling of VAWG cases. However, these measures must be part of a broader strategy that includes training for law enforcement and judiciary to ensure a survivor-centred approach.

4. Regulating Online Spaces: The government must work with tech companies to curb the spread of misogynistic content and hold platforms accountable for harmful material. Education campaigns aimed at countering online misogyny and promoting healthy relationships are equally crucial.

5. International Collaboration: VAWG is a global issue that requires a coordinated international response. The UK should work with international partners to share best practices, advocate for stronger protections for women and girls, and hold countries accountable for failing to address gender-based violence.

   
   

The lack of significant action on VAWG can be attributed to a combination of systemic challenges, competing political priorities, and resource constraints. The 2025 watchdog report reflects a broader issue of fragmented governance and insufficient integration across key sectors like education, healthcare, and the criminal justice system. Additionally, the government has faced pressure to address other pressing issues, such as economic recovery and public health crises, which may have diverted attention and resources away from VAWG initiatives.

Political resistance to prioritizing gender-based violence, coupled with the challenges of

implementing long-term cultural and systemic change, has further hindered progress. Without sustained political will, adequate funding, and a unified strategy, the government’s efforts to combat VAWG will struggle to move beyond rhetoric to deliver tangible outcomes for women and girls.

Image: Flickr