A significant move to combat violence against women and girls includes banning harmful AI apps and preventing children from sharing inappropriate images. The unveiling of a comprehensive strategy by Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips marks a pivotal shift in addressing the issue. Described as the most extensive crackdown on violence against women and girls in British history, the plan comes with a substantial £1 billion funding commitment to support victims.
The strategy aims to revolutionize the approach to safeguarding women and girls, emphasizing the need for a collective effort from the public and various services to challenge harmful behaviors and misogyny. With the goal of halving cases within a decade, the government is set to provide enhanced support for survivors, combat misogyny in educational settings, and empower law enforcement to take decisive action against offenders.
Central to the strategy is a focus on addressing misogyny in schools through a £20 million initiative, ensuring teachers receive specialized training to educate students on consent and the risks associated with sharing intimate content. The plan also includes launching a dedicated helpline for young individuals seeking assistance with concerning behaviors.
In a bid to protect young people, new legislation will outlaw ‘nudification’ tools, which use AI to fabricate nude images without consent. Additionally, measures will be implemented to prevent children in the UK from engaging in or accessing inappropriate content via their devices, in collaboration with tech companies to safeguard against grooming, bullying, and exploitation.
The strategy’s holistic approach extends to bolstering support services for victims of domestic and sexual abuse, with a pledge to invest up to £50 million in specialized care for child sex abuse victims. Notably, a nationwide referral service for women and girls impacted by violence is set to be established by 2029, ensuring consistent support across all regions.
Furthermore, the strategy emphasizes the importance of enhancing legal frameworks to combat online child sexual abuse and strengthen protections for victims. Initiatives like Domestic Abuse Protection Orders and Stalking Protection Orders will be expanded to provide greater safeguards and monitoring mechanisms against perpetrators.
Through these comprehensive measures, the government aims to instigate a paradigm shift in tackling violence against women and girls, ushering in a new era of protection, support, and accountability.
