Reflections on the survivors’ journey: Bridging the gaps

To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, techUK’s Justice and Emergency Services Programme hosted a panel with experts from various sectors who shared their thoughts on the issue and some examples of the fantastic work they are doing when it comes to prevention and victim support.

Overview of the problem

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a serious issue caused by gender inequality and norms on the acceptability of violence against women, power control and misogyny. These issues are not new, but they continue to affect millions of women and girls worldwide, causing both physical and emotional harm. According to the National Policing Statement 2024 for VAWG, at least 1 in every 12 women will be a victim of VAWG per tear (2 million) and we expect the exact number to be higher.

The rise of online spaces has introduced a new set of challenges, enabling individuals to act anonymously in ways that can be both harmful and difficult to hold accountable. Online anonymity can facilitate the spread of discrimination and stereotypes, creating an environment where abuse becomes more prevalent.

Young people in particular, can be exposed to unchecked content that spreads and normalises harmful attitudes from an early age. With a variety of available monitoring software solutions, we are seeing the normalisation of monitoring and tracking starting early, often with parents keeping tabs on their children's locations and conversations. This can lead to a "normalised view of control" that could carry over into adult relationships.

On the other side, law enforcement is also facing challenges when it comes to dealing with demand, resourcing, funding. The National Policing Statement 2024 for VAWG states that “the scale of VAWG has direct impact on policing with an estimated 2,959 VAWG-related crimes recorded daily”.

Additionally, when consequences for perpetrators are not clearly visible, survivors may feel isolated and unsupported, which can make it more difficult for them to seek out the resources and assistance they need to heal.

Another concern is that VAWG support services are underfunded, leaving victims without the resources they need to feel heard, supported, or safe.

All these problems, keeps the cycle of abuse going, making it clear how important it is to take real action on VAWG and make sure victims get the help and support they need.

Taking meaningful steps

Although the current picture in relation to VAWG shows that there is still much work to be done, it's important to acknowledge the positive efforts underway to address this issue, especially in the areas of prevention and victim support. techUK has a dedicated VAWG and RASSO tech working group, made up of tech industry, police, academics and third sector organisations who are working together to tackle VAWG and RASSO and also raise awareness.

There are significant initiatives in place to support efforts to prevent VAWG and RASSO, for instance, improving broader engagement through the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic abuse and HeForShe.

In addition to these, tech is playing a vital role supporting not only victims (with evidence collection for example), but also in improving law enforcement’s ability to respond to VAWG. For example, software that helps track patterns of abusive behaviour across different platforms can assist police in identifying repeat offenders and ensuring that justice is served more efficiently. These technological advancements are helping build a stronger, more proactive approach to tackling violence against women and girls.

Furthermore, prevention and education are crucial in driving long-term change. It’s not just about telling people what not to do, but also adopting a better understanding of women’s experiences and encouraging self-reflection, particularly among men.

White Ribbon is doing a fantastic job in providing training and support in this area. By highlighting positive role models and celebrating those who make a difference, we can shift the narrative toward more supportive behaviours. It's important to recognise when men are actively working to make a positive impact, as this can inspire others to follow suit and contribute to building a safer, more respectful society for everyone.

While technology alone cannot solve all the challenges in this space, when used thoughtfully and strategically, it can play a valuable role in supporting victims and assisting law enforcement. This approach focuses on leveraging ‘tech for good’ while fostering collaboration and trust between the public sector and industry – a key theme we want to emphasise in this video.

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The techUK Justice and Emergency Services Programme represents tech firms operating in the public safety, criminal justice, and blue light markets. We create strong relationships between members and public sector customers, encouraging industry engagement, and unlocking innovation. Visit the programme page here.