Police and Crime Commissioner launches new online ‘Safer Together’ hub in partnership to tackle violence against women and girls

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has launched an online hub that provides advice, guidance and information to anyone who is concerned about sexual violence, abuse, or harassment to help everyone in Hampshire feel safer.

The platform has gone live today (November 25) to mark the International Day to End Violence Against Women, and signifies the region’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls.

The site has been funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones after her office secured Safer Streets Home Office Grant funding. The hub, called Safer Together Hampshire, has been produced by Portsmouth City Council as a member of the Commissioner’s VAWG group, and it has been developed in partnership with other local authorities, organisations and charities.

It is open to anyone who is worried about or has experienced sexual violence and it also provides advice to those worried about their own behaviour. It also hosts resources for schools and colleges for staff to access training guides to help young people challenge the culture, beliefs and attitudes that say violence is acceptable.

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, said: “Violence against women and girls is not just an issue for policing, it is for the whole of society to tackle. Only by working together and challenging behaviour, asking questions and educating can we really change attitudes and bring about long lasting change.

“As Commissioner, I know how hard it is for victims of sexual violence to know where to turn. The hub provides several pathways to charities that can help funded by my office in partnership with local authorities.

“I also recognise not just women are affected by violence which is why the hub is open to anyone experiencing abuse, or worried about their own behaviour escalating.”

Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Steve Pitt said: “This website forms part of our work to make the city a safer place for those who live, work, study and visit. It is a really helpful resource for our residents, with information and support for people who are victims of all types of violence, as well as working to help people who feel they may be at risk of harming a partner or loved one.

“Together we can start to make long lasting change to prevent violence against everyone by addressing the root causes and changing long-established and harmful attitudes.”

PCC Donna Jones has committed to ensuring violence against women and girls is tackled as part of her new Police and Crime Plan. As Commissioner, she continues to fund a range of services to support victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence, in addition to charities which work with offenders to change behaviours and stop reoffending.

The hub, called Safer Together Hants, has been funded by the Home Office Safer Streets grants, which was secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The hub can be accessed here https://safertogetherhants.co.uk/

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