Merton Council and its Community Safety Partnership have launched a new strategy to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG), setting out a shared vision to prevent abuse, support victims and hold perpetrators to account.
Unveiled at Vestry Hall in Mitcham, the strategy brings together partners from across the borough to deliver a coordinated, multi-agency response and ensure victims and survivors receive the support they need.
The strategy places victims and survivors at the heart of service delivery, with a strong focus on prevention, early intervention and raising awareness across communities. It has been shaped through consultation with survivors, residents, professionals and local stakeholders to reflect the needs and experiences of those affected.
While violence against women and girls remains a key focus due to its prevalence, the council recognises that domestic abuse can affect anyone and services in Merton will continue to support all victims, including men and boys.
The strategy is underpinned by five partnership priorities: changing attitudes and behaviours, improving the safety of women and girls, early identification and help, supporting victims, survivors and their children, and holding perpetrators to account.
Councillor Edith Macauley MBE, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: “Preventing and responding to violence against women and girls remains a priority for Merton’s Community Safety Partnership.
As more victims and survivors come forward, it is vital they can access the support they need. This strategy sets out our shared commitment to prevention, early intervention and ensuring perpetrators are held to account.
By working together with partners and communities, we can raise awareness, support victims and help bring these often hidden crimes into the open.”
Councillor Usaama Kaweesa, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Violence against women and girls is one of the most devastating and persistent injustices in our society, and too many young people are affected by harmful behaviours, harassment and abuse.
This strategy is not just about crisis response. It is about prevention, education and cultural change, challenging misogyny early and giving young people the tools to build safe and respectful relationships. I want every child in Merton to grow up safe, supported and empowered, and this strategy is a step towards that future.”
Support in Merton includes specialist advocacy services for victims of domestic abuse, refuge accommodation for those fleeing abuse, and confidential advice and guidance through the borough’s One Stop Shop.
The council also works with pan-London specialist organisations to ensure victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, forced marriage, honour-based abuse and other forms of VAWG can access the right support at the right time.
These services form part of a wider partnership approach across the Community Safety Partnership, with local agencies working together to coordinate support, strengthen prevention and improve outcomes for survivors and their families.
The strategy aligns with wider work across the borough to improve safety, promote safeguarding and embed equality and inclusion. Partners will now deliver a detailed action plan to drive progress and help ensure Merton remains a safe place to live, work and visit.
If you or someone you know needs support, confidential help and advice is available: Violence against women and girls | Merton Council