News & Updates

Government News and Campaigns 27 May

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  Ministry of Justice: plans to put victims back at the centre of justice system published Support for victims of crime will be overhauled under reforms was published by the Government on 25 May. Draft legislation published by the Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab will pave the way for the first ever Victims’ Law – putting their needs and voices firmly at the heart of the justice system. It will see victims’ views sought at regular points during their case, with greater accountability placed on agencies such as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and police for the service they provide to them. Victims will also be given clearer routes of redress if they do not receive the support they are entitled to.
Department for Education: Spiking of university students to be tackled University students will be safer as spiking is set to be stamped out at universities following the launch of a new working group from the Department for Education and Home Office dedicated to tackling the number of attacks against students. This forms part of the wider government mission to tackle violent and sexual crimes and strengthen victims’ rights. Universities Minister Michelle Donelan has called for and convened the group, which will bring together vice-chancellors, police, campaigners and victims to produce plans for practical action to help keep students safe, reporting back before the start of the autumn term.

Campaign Materials

The government is running a number of campaigns for vulnerable audiences. We would be grateful if you could share campaign materials and messaging on your channels, and with your networks. ‘Enough.’ Aims to challenge perpetrators and raise awareness of what we can all do to safely call out abuse. Please find attached a partner pack which includes more information on the campaign, and materials which you can share on your channels. 
Stop Abuse Together aims to empower parents and carers to take steps to help keep the children in their life safe. Please find attached a digital toolkit for the campaign. All children have a right to be safe from sexual abuse, and we all have a role to play in keeping them safe. Let’s #StopAbuseTogether.
ParentWise is designed to build parents and carers’ understanding of the range of harms their child could be exposed to. It includes a partner pack to help them spot the signs that something could be wrong and empower them to act if they are worried.
#YouAreNotAlone aims to raise awareness and signpost to information and support available for victims, family/friends and perpetrators of domestic abuse. On GOV.UK there is full guidance and easy read guidance on getting help for Domestic Abuse. Campaign materials and updated assets, including a partner pack, is available to download.
The Ask for ANI scheme is operating in independent, Boots and Superdrug pharmacies. Posters and social media assets are available to download. For more information, materials or to provide feedback, please email [email protected]. The #ItStillMatters Campaign is assuring survivors of sexual violence and abuse that it is never too late to get support. Information is given on National Helplines, as well as how to access support locally. Please find the toolkit attached.

Stakeholder News and Campaigns #FriendsCanTell SafeLives launched their #FriendsCanTell campaign, which aims to de-normalise the controlling behaviours that hundreds of young people told us are so common that they are considered normal. Young people are disproportionately affected by domestic abuse. They see it at home and in their own relationships. According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, 14% of women aged 16 to 19 reported experiencing some form of domestic abuse in the last year. This is 40% higher than the next age group (20-24), the #FriendsCanTell campaign encourages young people to talk to their friends about their relationships if they are worried.  

Karma Nirvana announces a series of virtual workshops After the recent announcement under the Health and Social Care Act 2022 with Virginity Testing and Hymenoplasty becoming illegal, Karma Nirvana have announced a series of virtual workshops ‘Tackling Virginity Myths’. Coming together with their colleagues at The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal College of Midwives, Baroness Sugg, Richard Holder MP, IKWRO, MEWSO and Barrister’s Charlotte Proudman and Naomi Wiseman they have been able to achieve a joint effort to ban Virginity Testing and Hymenoplasty. For more information on hymenoplasty and how to sign up for their free workshops please follow this link to their website. Karma Nirvana job applications live Karma Nirvana are delighted to announce two new adverts for positions that have gone live on their website. The roles are: Campaigns and Partnerships Officer Communications Officer Both roles offer the opportunity to work from home.

End-to-End Encryption (No Place to Hide) campaign End-to-end encryption, without adequate safety protections, poses a fundamental challenge to our efforts to protect children online. Barnardo’s, Marie Collins Foundation, Stop It Now! And SafeToNet launched the End-to-End Encryption campaign with support from Government. The campaign aims to inform public opinion on the issue of end-to-end encryption and the implications for children’s safety online, putting pressure on social media companies to put child safety at the centre of their designs.