What is it?

The United Nations Declaration (1993) on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, defines Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) as:

“Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”

VAWG must be understood as a cause and consequence of gender inequality, the various forms of abuse it includes are committed disproportionately against women and girls, and those responsible are overwhelmingly men. As well as being a health problem of epidemic proportions, it’s also a human rights problem of equal severity.

This is why in Ealing, the council’s approach to tackling this issue, is framed within a male violence against women and girls (MVAWG) strategy.

Domestic Abuse

This is also a form of male violence against women and girls however, it relates specifically to abuse and violence perpetrated by any member of the household, such as an intimate partner, parent, child, sibling, relative. When domestic abuse is perpetrated by an intimate partner, it is referred to as intimate partner violence. When a child is a victim of domestic abuse, it is referred to as child abuse.

People from marginalized groups are at greater risk of experiencing abuse. However, it’s important to recognize that anyone can be a victim of abuse, regardless of their age, race, gender, sexual orientation, class, or faith.

If you or a loved one are a victim of domestic violence you can contact the following

If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 999

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 / www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ (run by Refuge)

The Mix: Free information and support for under 25s in the UK – 0808 808 4994

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428

Samaritans: 24/7 service – 116 123

The Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327 (run by Respect for male domestic abuse survivors)

What VAWG means for men and boys

The term Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) can often cause concern about the exclusion of men and boys from services, and a lack of recognition that men and boys can also experience these forms of violence and abuse.

The UN Declaration is based on the concept of disproportionate impact. We understand the gendered nature of these types of abuse and crimes, and also that men and boys are sometimes victims of these types of abuse and crimes.

Men and boys can be powerful advocates against violence against women and girls therefore, it is important that they are included in all aspects of our work, particularly work on prevention and awareness raising.

Whatever their needs or background, we are committed to ensuring that any victim will receive a sensitive and appropriate response. If you or someone you know is a man experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence, there is help available and you can find out more here.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or in need of urgent protection, call the police on 999.

Staying Safe / Practical Advice

We’ve put together some suggestions you might want to consider in order to make yourself as safe as possible.

Our Partners

Across Ealing there are a number of support services available to help in making the right decisions for you.