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Outpoll | Government’s process behind tackling violence against women ‘worse than under the Tories’

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Government’s process behind tackling violence against women ‘worse than under the Tories’

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Government’s process behind tackling violence against women ‘worse than under the Tories’

As the Labour government prepares to unveil its long-awaited strategy on violence against women and girls next week, the very process behind its creation is being condemned by leading campaigners as chaotic, haphazard, and—in a damning indictment—even worse than the approach taken under the previous Conservative administration. This criticism, delivered in stark terms to The Guardian, reveals a profound disconnect between the new administration's rhetoric of change and the reality of its policymaking, where experts and frontline organisations feel systematically sidelined.The core accusation is that, in a rush to announce a flagship policy, ministers have orchestrated a blitz of pre-publication announcements while failing to engage in the meaningful, collaborative consultation that such a grave and systemic issue demands. This isn't merely bureaucratic friction; it’s a failure of process that risks producing a strategy built on political expediency rather than the hard-won expertise of those who have spent decades supporting survivors and challenging the cultural and institutional frameworks that enable such violence.The historical precedent here is critical. The Tory years were often marked by austerity-driven cuts to refuges and support services, yet even within that constrained landscape, there existed channels—however imperfect—for dialogue.The current charge suggests a more top-down, controlled approach, where input is sought as a formality rather than a foundation, echoing the very patriarchal structures the strategy purports to dismantle. One must consider the personal impact of such exclusion: these organisations hold the data on what works, the testimonies that reveal gaps in legal protection, and the on-the-ground understanding of how policies translate—or fail to translate—into safety for a woman fleeing her abuser.To sideline them is to ignore the lived reality of the crisis in favour of political messaging. The potential consequences are severe.A strategy developed without this cornerstone of expertise could misallocate vital resources, overlook emerging forms of digital and economic abuse, and lack the nuanced, intersectional approach needed for Black, minoritised, disabled, and migrant women who face compounded barriers. It risks being a document that looks impressive in a press release but falters in implementation, leaving service providers to grapple with ill-conceived mandates while survivor support falls through the cracks.From a human perspective, this process failure feels like a betrayal. After a change in government, there was a palpable hope for a new era of partnership, one that would treat violence against women and girls as the national emergency it is.

#violence against women

#government strategy

#Labour

#campaigners

#criticism

#policy announcement

#featured

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Comments

DataDrivenDave80d ago

On one hand, the urgency to address this is commendable, but on the other, the reported lack of structured consultation is a significant process flaw. The data and expertise from frontline organisations are non-negotiable for an effective strategy. Rushing this for a political announcement risks creating a plan that looks good on paper but fails in implementation, which would be a profound disservice to the very people it aims to protect.

TiredOptimist80d ago

it just feels so disheartening, like all that hope for real change is being brushed aside for a quick headline

MuddledMuse80d ago

wait but if they’re not actually talking to the people who do the work, how can it be any good? feels like we just swapped one top-down mess for another, but maybe i’m overthinking it

CuriousCat2380d ago

wow this is pretty disappointing to hear, feels like the same old story just a different party. what do you guys think, is there any way they can turn this around? would love to hear more thoughts on this from everyone