Thank you for your email. I share your concerns about the safety of women and girls, and I am so sorry to hear of your difficult personal experience and that of your friend’s sister. These are terrible crimes and we should do all we can to protect women and girls and educate young men on proper conduct and consent.
Our safety, security and prosperity are everyone's business. However, I know that there are still crimes that disproportionately affect women and girls, and there are too many instances of victims and survivors being let down. This is why I am clear that protecting women and girls from violence and supporting victims is of the utmost importance.
I welcome that the last Government created new criminal offences of stalking, non-fatal strangulation and coercive control, which recognises that the most pernicious abuse is not always physical. Additionally, the Protection from Sex-Based Harassment in Public Act 2023 introduced a specific offence for public sexual harassment, which now sees perpetrators face up to two years in jail. In terms of domestic abuse, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 created a statutory definition of domestic abuse and gave new powers to police and courts.
I know that the Government has promised to tackle VAWG, and in particular, I welcome its commitment to tougher enforcement and protection to target perpetrators. I will be watching closely to see if Ministers stick to this promise, and they must make it clear to the police that these crimes are as significant as terrorism, serious and organised crime and child sexual abuse.
With regards to the issue of sex education around consent in schools, RSHE plays a fundamental role in equipping young people with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships. I am confident that new draft guidance takes a clear parent-centred approach and will ensure that teaching has the best interests of children at heart.
I want women and girls to feel safe and secure wherever they are, and in the new Parliament, I will be pressing to ensure every effort continues to be made to tackle VAWG.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.