Thank you for contacting me about the leadership election and this important issue.
While I cannot speak for either candidate or their policies at this stage, I have always been clear that protecting women and girls from violence and supporting victims is of the utmost importance. I was proud to stand on a manifesto that pledged to continue the fight against the perpetrators of violence against women.
I welcome the publication of the tackling violence against women and girls strategy to ensure women and girls are safe everywhere. The strategy will increase support for victims and survivors, increase the number of perpetrators brought to justice, and reduce the prevalence of violence against women and girls in the long-term.
A number of measures in the strategy are focused on practical action to increase physical safety in public places. This includes a £5 Million ‘Safety of Women at Night’ Fund, in addition to the Safer Streets Fund, that focuses on the prevention of violence against women and girls in public spaces at night, including in the night-time economy. It is also worth noting that Round Three of the Safer Streets Fund had a particular focus on helping to combat violence against women and girls. £25 million was allocated to 57 projects across England and Wales through this round.
I am aware of the calls for further regulation of sexual entertainment venues such as strip and lap dancing clubs. It is already the case that the Police and Crime Act 2009 provides local authorities the power to regulate sexual entertainment venues (SEVs) as sex establishments under Schedule 3 to the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.
Once a local authority has decided to grant an SEV licence, it can impose terms, conditions and restrictions on the licence, either in the form of conditions specific to the individual licence or standard conditions applicable to all sex establishments.
Protecting those involved in prostitution and sex work from harm is a strand of the Government's work to eradicate violence against women and girls. In 2019 the police updated the National Policing Sex Work and Prostitution Guidance – this makes clear that the safety of people engaged in sex work must be paramount to the police service. Since 2016, the Government has provided over £2 million to specialist organisations supporting those involved in sex work and prostitution.
The Government has also introduced a new national policing lead on violence against women and girls. The lead will be the point of contact for every police force and will ensure best practice is shared and that progress on improving the response to violence against women and girls is being carefully monitored.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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