To find out more about which roles are up for election and the candidates in your area, visit >>> electoralcommission.org.uk
This is an important opportunity to have your say in how your local area is run. For example, Metro Mayors are directly elected to hold power over things like transport, housing and skills, while some Metro Mayors such as those in Greater Manchester and London might also have power over criminal justice, health and social care.
Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are elected primarily to appoint the chief constable (and remove them, if necessary); to set the budget; and to set local policing priorities.
However you choose to use your vote this Thursday, we hope that you continue to use your voice, and join Advance in telling your local elected candidate that they MUST:
1. Increase support for women in contact with the criminal justice system (CJS).
- Women in contact with the criminal justice system are disproportionately affected by abuse and violence, while also experiencing other complex needs. These struggles are exacerbated by time spent in custody with devastating consequences, including for their children.
2. Prioritise tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG).
- 2.1 million people experience domestic abuse in England and Wales every year, and yet only 5% of domestic abuse crimes are prosecuted.
- Women’s experience of domestic abuse has devastating consequences. It can lead to women’s homelessness, the loss of custody of their children. It can dramatically impact their wellbeing and is a leading cause of women’s death.
3. Commit to funding services for girls and young women up to the age of 25.
- Young women and girls are disproportionately affected by domestic abuse, with those under 19 at the highest risk of being victims in their own intimate relationships.
- With nowhere to turn for support, many girls are left traumatised by their experiences and can go onto experience further harm, including being excluded from school and/or criminalised.
4. Commit to close joint working to support women’s mental health.
- In 2023, self-harm amongst women in prison increased by 43%.
- Women who experience domestic abuse are three times more likely to have attempted suicide.
- One woman under the age of 25 dies by suicide every two days in the UK, a figure which is increasing.
For over 25 years, Advance has been supporting women and girls who experience domestic abuse, and those in contact with the criminal justice system, whose offending is often directly or indirectly due to their experience of domestic abuse.
We are a charity who is rooted in our values of collaboration, colocation, and community. We work alongside, and in partnership with other support services and embed ourselves in statutory agencies such as housing officers, social services and police stations to improve responses to women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by abuse and violence.
Find out more about our work and our pledges for candidates to support women and girls by visiting Campaign with us, or get involved by:
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