A POLICE force has launched a new strategy aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls.

The strategy, launched by North Yorkshire Police, looks to safeguard women and while putting the elimination of violence a priority within the force.

Recognising that police need to do more, the strategy aims to also be transparent with victims to demonstrate “how seriously” the force is taking the topic.

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Temporary assistant chief constable Lindsay Butterfield assured that making sure the vetting process was “where it needs to be.”

She said that although the county was in “a really good place” when looking at crime statistics, but stressed “that doesn’t mean we’re being complacent.”

Ms Butterfield added that she knew they “have more work to do.”

The force aims to ensure that women and girls are consulted on how they develop and deliver their services.

They also aim to continue developing relationships with their partners and relevant charities so support women and girls and help them feel safe.

According to the strategy, North Yorkshire Police will also aim to “develop” their culture to provide an “exemplary work environment” and demonstrate the best of “professional policing standards.”

Ms Butterfield added: “We’re really keen to hear from those with lived experience, as well as those that are in the community that may have been victim to these horrendous crimes, but also have a view on the service they received.

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“There will be opportunities for people in the future for those voices to be heard and will help shape and improve the services that we deliver.”

She continued to say that many people might not feel confident in coming forward after an incident and this was something the strategy also aimed to address.

“The other element is the acknowledgment that we know not all women and girls feel confident to come forward and report their experiences for many different reasons.

“On those occasions we are promoting the support and help that is available from third parties, without those people having to come directly to police if they don’t feel comfortable doing so.”

Speaking on the work to address the internal issues between the force and violence against women and girls exasperated by the case of Sarah Everard, Ms Butterfield said addressing this was “a big part of the strategy.”

She added: “Our strategy looks at our internal process and culture, so that includes vetting for example, making sure that our vetting procedures are absolutely where they need to be.

“It includes looking at our internal culture and calling out behaviour that is inappropriate and making sure that people are confident to do that and supported when doing that.

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“That has been a huge focus for our strategy, just making sure that we have officers that are behaving appropriately and are suitably challenged if that’s not the case.”

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