Women have been let down and we need to better at every level

The number of violent attacks against women and girls is increasing each year, and we need a plan to deal with it.

Figures for the Northumbria Police force area reveal there have been 42 domestic homicides since 2011. And in 209/20 alone there were 4,438 sexual assaults reported in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear.

Nationally, 1 in 3 women and girls will experience some form of sexual abuse in their lifetime.

The figures are shocking, and the stories behind them are heartbreaking.

For real change we need a Labour Government to put women's safety first and bring about radical change.

But until then I'm asking your opinion on what needs to be done to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls.

That's why I'm calling for views to shape a new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) action plan for the Northumbria Police force area.

I’m grateful to be in a position where I can drive real change forward, and I know there are many others across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear who share this aim – we want to lead the way with this. From service specialists and police officers, right through to young girls and their mams who know these crimes disproportionately affect them – people want violence against women and girls to end once and for all.

That's why I'm calling for views to shape a new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) action plan for the Northumbria Police force area. with perpetrators and system change. The consultation survey can be completed here.