At the Policing Performance Committee (PPC) on 16 March, Police Scotland presented the Violence against Women and Girls Strategy (VAWG), a key element of Police Scotland’s strategic framework, aligned to the Joint Strategy for Policing and strategic outcomes.

A significant programme of research and engagement activity was undertaken by Police Scotland to develop a VAWG strategy that meets the needs of victims and survivors and reflects the unique role policing has in tackling VAWG.

The strategy is underpinned by a draft implementation plan, outlining some of the key activities which will support delivery of the four strategic outcomes identified within the strategy.

Committee welcomes Police Scotland’s commitment to creating a society where women and girls live free from violence, abuse, exploitation and harassment. The strategy outlines the actions Police Scotland will take as a service, together with partner organisations, to improve the response and to drive the change needed to end violence against women and girls.

During the Committee, we were assured by the level of key stakeholder engagement Police Scotland have undertaken to inform the strategy. We recognise the complexity of measuring the success of the strategy and have requested regular updates to track progress.

The strategy and implementation plan will now be presented to the full Authority on 23 March for further discussion and members will be asked to approve the strategy at this session