THE views of women and girls across Copeland are being sought to help shape government strategy to tackle violence and abuse.

The Government is updating the Violence Against Women and Girls strategy and has launched a nationwide Call for Evidence in order to ensure that those who have lived experiences of abuse and violence, and the views of members of the public are at the heart of plans to stop these harmful crimes. The Call to Evidence runs until February 19.

The government has already taken a number of important steps in this area, including strengthening the law on crimes such as stalking, forced marriage and female genital mutilation, but there is more to do.

There have already been many responses, shining a sobering light on the prevalence of gender-based violence in our society. But this information is also absolutely invaluable in shaping the most effective policy to fight the scourge of Violence Against Women and Girls.

Trudy Harrison MP is urging those who have experiences or views to come forward in the final few weeks of the government’s Call for Evidence, and to take part in the anonymous survey.

This not only includes frontline professionals and academics, victims and survivors, but their families and friends and members of the public in Copeland who have been indirectly affected.

You can participate in the call for evidence by completing the public survey.

Mrs Harrison said: “It takes an immense amount of courage for those who have been subjected to violence and abuse to speak out, and I commend those who have taken the steps to do so.

“The information gathered as part of the Call for Evidence so far has been instrumental in helping to combat acts of gender-based violence, but we must go further to stop these appalling crimes through a new strategy to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls."