Lewisham Domestic Abuse and Violence against Women and Girls Strategy 2021-26

Overview

Why are we doing this survey?

We’re seeking your views to help us to develop a new strategy to tackle domestic abuse and all forms of Violence against Women and Girls in Lewisham. The strategy will run for five years from 2021 to 2026.

The survey is open to everyone living and working in Lewisham that is aged  16 or over. You do not have to have experienced violence or abuse to complete it.

A draft version of our strategy, and a one-page summary, is available to read. You will have an opportunity to provide feedback on this in the survey if you would like to

What does ' domestic abuse’ and ‘violence against women and girls' mean?

The UK government’s definition of ‘domestic abuse’ is ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional.’

The term 'violence against women and girls' means acts of violence or abuse that disproportionately affect women and girls. Crimes and behaviours covered by this term can include sexual offences, domestic abuse, female genital mutilation, stalking, so called 'honour-based' abuse as well as many others.

Though these forms of violence and abuse affect more women and girls than men and boys, this does not mean that men and boys cannot also be victims of them.

Why your views matter

We’re seeking your views to help us to develop a new strategy to tackle domestic abuse and all forms of Violence against Women and Girls in Lewisham. The strategy will run for five years from 2021 to 2026.