If you are in danger, call 999!
What is Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)?
Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) refers to harmful behaviours such as violence, abuse, or harassment based on gender. These acts are often rooted in inequality and power imbalances.
Who can be affected? 
While the term VAWG highlights the impact on women and girls. Men, boys and non-binary people can also experience forms of abuse.
- Physical abuse
- Sexual violence
- Economic abuse
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Online abuse
To know more Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (Ratification of Convention) Act 2017.
Why is the focus of VAWG on male violence against women and girls?
Domestic abuse is always unacceptable, no matter your gender or identity.
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 - 7 men experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
- The risk is higher for pregnant women (1 in 3) and disabled women (1 in 2).
The 2 main differences that drive the focus on Women and Girls are:
- Women are more likely to be repeatedly abused, seriously injured or killed than male victims
- Abuse by men is often linked to power, control, and patriarchy (a structural and social system that perceives women and girls as inferior to men). This kind of power imbalance is usually not present when men experience abuse, although abuse of any kind is never acceptable and can happen to anyone.
*Note: Rates of DA (Domestic Abuse) are more common for people with disabilities and those in the LGBTQIA+ communities.
Concerned about a child or young person?If you are worried that a child or young person is being harmed, abused, or neglected, please contact the Children’s First Referral and Assessment Service. For professionals and organisations
General enquiries
Out-of-hours emergenciesIf it’s outside of Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and you believe a child is at immediate risk: Emergency duty team:
In an emergency:
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