Violence against women and girls (VAWG) Network

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is one of the most oppressive forms of gender inequality and stands as a fundamental barrier to the equal participation of women and men in social, economic, and political life. It undermines gender equality and limits a wide range of life chances and wellbeing outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. VAWG is a complex and multifaceted problem that cannot be effectively addressed from a single vantage point; preventing and responding to such violence requires coordinated action across multiple sectors, agencies, and communities.

In Croydon, prevention, tackling perpetrators, and providing effective support and protection for victim-survivors remain central, alongside a stronger focus on creating safer spaces and communities, improving systems and accountability, and amplifying the voices of those with lived experience. These priorities aim to challenge the misogynistic attitudes and behaviours that enable VAWG, intervene earlier to stop harm from escalating, and ensure that those who cause harm are held to account.

The purpose of the Croydon VAWG Network (CVN) is to bring together statutory and voluntary organisations around a shared goal: to prevent, identify, and tackle VAWG in our borough by fostering a culture that safeguards women and girls, prevents them from being subjected to violence and abuse, and promotes their safety and equality in all spheres of life. The Network will champion good practice, embed trauma-informed and survivor-centred approaches, and work in partnership so that tackling VAWG is understood as everyone’s business, embedded across local systems, services, and communities.

If you work for an organisation that supports women and girls or within the VAWG sector including domestic abuse and sexual violence please get in touch with the chair to add your name to the mailing list.
The network meet 4 times a year online.
Chair: Ciara.goodwin@croydon.gov.uk.