Plymouth City Council and its partners are doubling down on their mission to end violence against women and girls (VAWG), as Cabinet Members today reflected on progress and reaffirm their commitment to lasting change.
Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, delivered a powerful update on the strides made since the launch of the Plymouth VAWG Commission in 2022. From strategic leadership to grassroots empowerment, the city is taking bold, coordinated action.
She said: “We’re not just talking about change—we’re making it happen. Ending violence against women and girls is not optional. It’s urgent, it’s necessary, and it’s everyone’s responsibility. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but we’re not stopping here. Together, we’re calling time on VAWG in Plymouth.”
Key milestones include:
- Strategic Leadership: A dedicated VAWG Strategic Lead was appointed in 2023, followed by the launch of the city’s first VAWG Strategy (2024–2026), setting a clear roadmap for action.
- Training and Awareness: Citywide training programmes are equipping professionals with the tools to identify and respond to all forms of VAWG.
- Safety Initiatives: From the Safe Bus at Derry’s Cross to the fifth consecutive Purple Flag accreditation, Plymouth is making its night-time economy safer. Initiatives like Ask for Angela and Best Bar None are empowering staff and patrons alike.
- Male Allyship: The MAN Culture network is engaging men in meaningful conversations and cultural change through workshops with various organisations, conferences, podcasts, and monthly meetups.
- Community Empowerment: The VAWG Community Fund, launched in partnership with Devon Community Foundation and the Sedel-Collings Foundation, is backing nine grassroots projects—from anti-spiking campaigns to confidence-building workshops for young girls.
Councillor Haydon added: “We’re building a city where women and girls feel safe, supported, and heard. This is about culture change, and we’re in it for the long haul.
"Every initiative, every training session, every conversation we have is a step towards a safer Plymouth. We know there’s no quick fix—but we also know that silence and inaction are not options.
"I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made. From grassroots projects to citywide strategies, we’re seeing real momentum. But we’re not complacent.
"We owe it to every woman and girl in this city to keep going—to keep challenging harmful behaviours, to keep creating safe spaces, and to keep pushing for change.
"Together, we are calling time on violence against women and girls—and we won’t stop until it ends.”