Women are consistently more likely than men to experience violence in the form of domestic abuse, stalking, sexual assault and harassment, accounting for the clear majority of victims across all categories of gendered violence.

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a national crisis. VAWG-related offences account for around 20% of police-recorded crime in 2022-2023, yet remain widely under-reported and underfunded. Police recorded over 71,000 rapes in 2024, yet fewer than 3% resulted in a charge. With reporting rates across VAWG offences low, and prosecution rates even lower, it’s vital that the safety of women and girls is at the forefront of our community safety strategies.

Harassment

Sexual harassment is one of the most prevalent forms of violence women and girls face, particularly for young women. Evidence shows around 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual harassment within the last year, rising to nearly 1 in 4 among women aged 16-24. The vast majority of sexual harassment takes place in public spaces (75%) and one fifth take place on public transport.

These are not just statistics. They reflect the lived experience of millions of women, who experience violence every year, within all of our communities.

Sexist normalisation

Sexist behaviours and attitudes are mutually reinforcing, each shaping and reflecting the other within the environments young people navigate. In our secondary schools, 74% of 11-16 year-olds have seen or experienced sexism, either on social media, at school or college, in sports, politics, and public spaces. This rises to 95% of college or university students.

With the vast majority of school-age children experiencing sexism, or witnessing sexist behaviours, young men are exposed to misogynistic norms and environments, while young women are subjected to harmful attitudes, harassment and violence. It is evident that these issues are deeply embedded within every corner of our society.

The experience of sexism perpetuates a vicious cycle. Experiences shape beliefs and behaviours, so discrimination is normalised in formative years, as young people move into adulthood.

Unchecked sexist attitudes are carried forward into workplaces, relationships, and public life. So it is essential that both young women and young men are equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to challenge misogyny. To break out of this cycle, they need support, which is why practitioners also should be equipped to recognise, address, and support young people in navigating these issues effectively.