2000 dead women and why we need to stand together against femicide

Every dead woman is one too many. 2000 women were killed by men in the UK between 2009 and 2023. Two thousand women, one killed in the UK, on average, every three days.

The recently published Femicide Census: 2000 Women report is a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of male violence against women and girls. And, the very real reality of domestic abuse and violence here in the UK.

These findings deeply distress me. I have made tackling male violence and misogyny a priority of mine for years, as this is a societal problem that has existed since the beginning of time. And some may think, that over the last few generations, feminism and a move toward equality has improved the picture of things, but unfortunately the statistics and stories tell a different tale. There is still much more to be done to protect women and girls and prevent men becoming perpetrators.

The report highlights that many women are killed by someone they know. Often a partner, ex-partner, or family member. In Gloucestershire, we’ve seen cases involving adult sons or acquaintances.

As your Police and Crime Commissioner, I am committed to ensuring that our approach to tackling violence against women is proactive, compassionate, and rooted in prevention.

I invite you to read the full Femicide Census as education is key to prevention. The more we as a society know about this problem, the harder it is for perpetrators to thrive in the shadows and taboos.

Let this report be a call to action. Let us honour the memory of the women lost by working together to ensure Gloucestershire remains a place where women feel safe, supported, and heard.

Gloucestershire ranks lowest in the national femicide ‘league table’. This, however, is not a cause for complacency, but rather a moment to reflect on what we are doing right—and how we can do even more.

Later this month ’16 Days of Action’ will begin. The 16 Days are a global campaign led by UN Women, running from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10^th (Human Rights Day). This campaign, which my Office and many other partners engage in every year, aims to raise awareness and advocate for the elimination of violence against women and girls worldwide.