--- title: Violence against women and girls date: 2026-02-05T12:25:00+00:00 author: Zanna Meynell canonical_url: "https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/advocacy/violence-against-women-and-girls" section: Pages --- #### Violence against women and girls (VAWG) has been declared a ‘national emergency’. This is a justice conversation the church must step into, speaking up for the vulnerable and the survivor. Will you join in on the mission to halve VAWG? VAWG covers a wide range of crimes and behaviours that are disproportionately experienced by women and girls and perpetrated by men. Such crimes could include but are not limited to: - Domestic abuse - Sexual assault and harassment - Rape - Stalking - Spiking - Digital exploitation - Honour-based abuse - Commercial sexual exploitation (where money is used in exchange of sex, eg prostitution and ​“sex for rent”) As the advocacy team, we have engaged both policymakers and the church in uprooting VAWG from society and supporting survivors to find healing. Together, domestic abuse, stalking and sexual assault affected 5.1 million victims in the year ending March 2025 in England and Wales. We must lament for the many individuals in the UK and across the globe who are impacted by VAWG-related crimes. This is an issue of both dignity and justice. All humans, both women and men, have been created with equal worth and dignity as image-bearers of Christ. Our God is one of justice and compassion, as shown throughout the Bible, caring deeply about the hurt and injustice faced by each individual. As Christians we are called to speak up for the most vulnerable in society, and advocating for survivors and victims impacted by VAWG is crucial. ### Understanding the Labour government's approach to VAWG [ ![Preventing violence against women and girls is a mission for us all](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/iStock-1001313596.jpg) ![I Stock 1001313596](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/iStock-1001313596.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/preventing-violence-against-women-and-girls-is-a-mission-for-us-all) [#### Preventing violence against women and girls is a mission for us all ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/preventing-violence-against-women-and-girls-is-a-mission-for-us-all) Zanna Meynell starts to unpack the government’s new strategy and why churches also need to get involved in prevention [ ![Zanna Meynell](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/zanna-meynell) [ Zanna Meynell ](/author/zanna-meynell) 27 January 2026 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/preventing-violence-against-women-and-girls-is-a-mission-for-us-all) [ ![Christians have a role to play in the pursuit of perpetrators of violence against women and girls](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Close up of Lady Justice on a sunset sky background](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/iStock-2185647234.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/christians-have-a-role-to-play-in-the-pursuit-of-perpetrators-of-violence-against-women-and-girls) [#### Christians have a role to play in the pursuit of perpetrators of violence against women and girls ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/christians-have-a-role-to-play-in-the-pursuit-of-perpetrators-of-violence-against-women-and-girls) As the government announces the “relentless pursuit of perpetrators’” of VAWG within their new strategy, Zanna Meynell discusses how the church can be part of the conversation [ ![Zanna Meynell](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/zanna-meynell) [ Zanna Meynell ](/author/zanna-meynell) 27 January 2026 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/christians-have-a-role-to-play-in-the-pursuit-of-perpetrators-of-violence-against-women-and-girls) [ ![It is time for the church to better support survivors of violence against women and girls](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![People holding hands / counselling](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/iStock-2190395779.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/it-is-time-for-the-church-to-better-support-survivors-of-violence-against-women-and-girls) [#### It is time for the church to better support survivors of violence against women and girls ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/it-is-time-for-the-church-to-better-support-survivors-of-violence-against-women-and-girls) Zanna Meynell explores the church’s role in a crucial aspect of the government’s new violence against women and girls strategy [ ![Zanna Meynell](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/zanna-meynell) [ Zanna Meynell ](/author/zanna-meynell) 27 January 2026 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/it-is-time-for-the-church-to-better-support-survivors-of-violence-against-women-and-girls) ### VAWG policy and campaign engagement across the nations [ ![Addressing violence against women and girls](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/CS-Ep-111-Thumbnail-A-23.png) ![CS Ep 111 Thumbnail A 23](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/CS-Ep-111-Thumbnail-A-23.png) ](https://www.eauk.org/resources/our-resources/videos-and-podcasts/cross-section/addressing-violence-against-women-and-girls) [#### Addressing violence against women and girls ](https://www.eauk.org/resources/our-resources/videos-and-podcasts/cross-section/addressing-violence-against-women-and-girls) "The church needs to step up" [ Find out more ](https://www.eauk.org/resources/our-resources/videos-and-podcasts/cross-section/addressing-violence-against-women-and-girls) [](https://www.eauk.org/resources/our-resources/videos-and-podcasts/cross-section/addressing-violence-against-women-and-girls) [ ![Ending demand for prostitution – busting ten myths](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Artawkrn t Xnsbe Y0 To unsplash](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/artawkrn-tXnsbe-Y0To-unsplash.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/resources/our-resources/ending-demand-for-prostitution-busting-ten-myths) [#### Ending demand for prostitution – busting ten myths ](https://www.eauk.org/resources/our-resources/ending-demand-for-prostitution-busting-ten-myths) A resource from Evangelical Alliance Scotland, CARE and Restore Glasgow [ Find out more ](https://www.eauk.org/resources/our-resources/ending-demand-for-prostitution-busting-ten-myths) [](https://www.eauk.org/resources/our-resources/ending-demand-for-prostitution-busting-ten-myths) [ ![Confronting violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Northern Ireland](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Untitled design 41](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/Untitled-design-41_2026-01-16-100914_ohtn.png) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/confronting-violence-against-women-and-girls-vawg-in-northern-ireland) [#### Confronting violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Northern Ireland ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/confronting-violence-against-women-and-girls-vawg-in-northern-ireland) Northern Ireland associate Nick Johnston explores three ways you can help challenge violence against women and girls [ ![Nick Johnston](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/nick-johnston) [ Nick Johnston ](/author/nick-johnston) 12 January 2026 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/confronting-violence-against-women-and-girls-vawg-in-northern-ireland) [ ![How your church can become a safer space for survivors of violence against women and girls](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Restored9 3](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/Restored9-3.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/how-your-church-can-become-a-safer-space-for-survivors-of-violence-against-women-and-girls) [#### How your church can become a safer space for survivors of violence against women and girls ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/how-your-church-can-become-a-safer-space-for-survivors-of-violence-against-women-and-girls) Domestic abuse needs to be addressed by the church; Christian charity Restored helps us do so [ ![Zanna Meynell](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/zanna-meynell) [ Zanna Meynell ](/author/zanna-meynell) 29 October 2025 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/how-your-church-can-become-a-safer-space-for-survivors-of-violence-against-women-and-girls) ### VAWG engagement in 2022 [ ![VAWG series: Radical relationships](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/sixteen-miles-out-f6UNiOH7uBo-unsplash.jpg) ![Coffee with friends](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/sixteen-miles-out-f6UNiOH7uBo-unsplash.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/radical-relationships) [#### VAWG series: Radical relationships ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/radical-relationships) Part three: As disciples of Jesus, are our relationships with others, family, platonic and professional, modelled on Christ’s humility and meekness? [ ![Esther Sweetman](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/esther-sweetman) [ Esther Sweetman ](/author/esther-sweetman) 16 March 2022 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/radical-relationships) [ ![VAWG series: Christians have a role to play](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Open bible](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/sixteen-miles-out-9GZCJHxqKnw-unsplash.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/vawg-christians-have-a-role-to-play) [#### VAWG series: Christians have a role to play ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/vawg-christians-have-a-role-to-play) Part two: biblical guiding principles to inform how we live out our faith in the public square as we speak out on violence against women and girls [ ![Jo Evans](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/jo-evans) [ Jo Evans ](/author/jo-evans) 08 March 2022 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/vawg-christians-have-a-role-to-play) [ ![VAWG series: How can men be allies?](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![People chain](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/andrew-moca-yAGNjU4rtss-unsplash.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/vawg-series-how-can-men-be-allies) [#### VAWG series: How can men be allies? ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/vawg-series-how-can-men-be-allies) Part four: conversation with student Caleb French on his experiences with Restored's First Man Standing campaign, being an ally to women, and seeking cultural change [ ![Jo Evans](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/jo-evans) [ Jo Evans ](/author/jo-evans) 23 March 2022 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/vawg-series-how-can-men-be-allies) [ ![VAWG series: Will the church be change-makers?](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Pexels ricardo esquivel 1654698](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/pexels-ricardo-esquivel-1654698.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/vawg-series-will-the-church-be-change-makers) [#### VAWG series: Will the church be change-makers? ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/vawg-series-will-the-church-be-change-makers) Part five: How can the church help create safe spaces for all who experience abuse, including women who have no recourse to public funds? [ ![Nicola Martin](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/nicola-martin) [ Nicola Martin ](/author/nicola-martin) 29 March 2022 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/vawg-series-will-the-church-be-change-makers) [ ![VAWG series: We need more than policy to resolve this problem](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Scrabble word - Law](https://eauk.org/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=400,fit=cover/https://cdn.eauk.org/pexels-cqfavocat-613508.jpg) ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/vawg-we-need-more-than-policy-to-resolve-this-problem) [#### VAWG series: We need more than policy to resolve this problem ](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/vawg-we-need-more-than-policy-to-resolve-this-problem) Part one: An overview of the UK government’s current strategy to tackle violence and abuse against women and girls [ ![Alicia Edmund](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ](/author/alicia-edmund) [ Alicia Edmund ](/author/alicia-edmund) 01 March 2022 [](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/vawg-we-need-more-than-policy-to-resolve-this-problem)