Frequently Asked Questions:

FAQ's:

Yes. Our work actively provides victim and survivor support for those affected by Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). 

Although national and international strategies have achieved meaningful progress, significant challenges still exist. These include new forms of abuse, gaps in data and reporting, and the need for ongoing cultural and behavioural change—including targeted support for men and boys.

Our services are inclusive and responsive to a wide range of needs. We work with:

  • Young people and adults of all genders and abilities (a responsible adult may be required for those under 16)

  • Victims and survivors of abuse

  • Individuals who use harmful behaviours

  • Employers, leadership teams, employees, and volunteers

We focus on both prevention and support for individuals, organisations, and communities. See our services page>

Let’s Talk is a free community support service that often serves as the initial step towards finding a solution.

  • Sessions are usually one-to-one unless otherwise agreed

  • It provides a safe space to discuss any concerns

  • Offers early support and guidance

  • Assists people in connecting with the appropriate services

  • Delivered in a secure, community-based setting

  • Confidential and non-judgemental

  • Safeguarding remains a top priority.

Team members must have an Enhanced DBS check when working with anyone under 16. See our services page>

We have an open-door policy, and no subject or topic is off-limits for either adults or young people. Some appointments are scheduled in advance, but more often than not, visits are impromptu when someone is ready to talk. Confidentiality and safeguarding are maintained at all times.

We comply with the

  • Data Protection Act 2018

  • UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Information is regarded as confidential unless:

  • There is a risk of serious harm to the individual or others

  • Disclosure is required by law

We follow strict safeguarding, confidentiality, and well-being policies to ensure the safety of those engaging with our services.

All team members aged 16 and over must complete suitable DBS checks, which are carried out by CareCheck on behalf of Project55 (UK). 

  • Standard or Enhanced DBS checks are performed depending on the role.

  • Only those with an Enhanced DBS check are permitted to work with under-16s.

  • Work (including volunteering) commences only after DBS clearance and references are verified.

Where possible, the Let's Talk drop-in and support services are free - currently within the Torbay area, with online/phone support for other areas; however, our programmes, workshops, and consultancy services do incur charges unless supported by funding or donations.

Discounted rates are considered on a case-by-case basis for: 

  • Charities and voluntary organisations 

  • Not-for-profit groups 

  • Micro or small businesses without HR support 

For further information, please email: angela@project55.uk  

Timings constantly change to meet demands. That said, phone calls and messages are responded to quickly. Appointments can be made, and fixed times are arranged for programmes/workshops. In the footer, you will find contact details for other trusted services.

Find Out More

The History of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG):

Our work not only focuses on Violence Against Women and Girls but also Men and Boys, as both provide the backdrop to the services we provide in preventive and post-trauma support.

While the history of Violence Against Women and Girls is well documented, there is limited information about the history of Violence Against Men and Boys. The optics are different; it's not a new concept, and it is changing. Nonetheless, it is equally concerning and providing inclusive programmes is really important to us at Project55 (UK).

We are monitoring the development of the Interpersonal Abuse and Violence Against Men and Boys Bill 2024-2026 and will provide updates accordingly.

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is recognized by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life” (WHO, 2024). Despite its long-standing presence in societies worldwide, it has taken decades for VAWG to be formally acknowledged within the context of domestic abuse and violence as we understand it today.

The recognition of VAWG as a human rights violation began on the international stage:
In 1993, the United Nations adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, calling for global action.
The Council of Europe and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action in the 1990s further established frameworks for addressing VAWG.

  • Early strategies and policy development -
    The UK’s formal strategy emerged in 2008, when the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) published its first Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy (2008–2011), focusing on criminal justice responses to domestic violence and rape.

In 2010, the government launched the “Call to End Violence against Women and Girls,” elevating VAWG as a national priority beyond policing and justice.

  • This strategy was built on four main principles -
    Preventing violence and challenging harmful behaviours.
    Providing adequate support for victims.
    Working in partnership across sectors.
    Taking action to reduce risks and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

  • Strengthening and expanding the Approach –

In March 2016, the Home Office released a refreshed VAWG strategy (2016–2020), backed by £100 million in funding over five years.

  • The scope of VAWG was expanded to include:
    Coercive and controlling behaviour.
    Forced marriage.
    Female genital mutilation (FGM).
    Stalking.
    Revenge pornography.
    Additional measures, such as the Internet Safety Strategy Green Paper, addressed online safety and digital abuse.

    The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 became law in April 2021, providing a dedicated legal framework for domestic abuse.

  • More Recent Developments
    In March 2022, the government introduced the “Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls” strategy, emphasising -
    Cultural and societal change to prevent violence.
    Increased specialist services for victims.
    Improved criminal justice outcomes for perpetrators.
    Recognition of persistent and emerging forms of VAWG, including harassment and online abuse.

  • Societal Impact and High-Profile Cases -
    The tragic case of Sarah Everard—a 33-year-old marketing executive who was kidnapped, raped, and murdered by a serving police officer in March 2021—sparked national and international outrage. Her death led to:

Widespread public demands for improved safety for women and girls. A comprehensive review of police conduct, culture, and standards. Renewed urgency in addressing VAWG at every level of society.

  • Growing Awareness and Ongoing Challenges -
    VAWG is no longer seen as a distant or cultural issue; it is recognised as a reality within our own communities—where we live, work, learn, and socialise.

  • Increased awareness is driven by:
    Public statistics and open conversations about abuse
    Personal stories and daily discussions highlight that many people know someone affected by abuse
    Most reported incidents involve emotional abuse, followed by economic abuse, threats, stalking, and sexual assault.
    Data typically covers individuals aged 16 and over, though both victims and perpetrators can be younger.

Society continues to grapple with the aftermath of domestic abuse and violence, including:

  • Domestic Abuse Related Fatalities, such as Intimate Partner Homicide (IPH), Adult Family Homicide (AFH), and victim suicides.
    Over a thousand victims were recorded in the UK between 2020 and 2024, with many “hidden homicides” remaining uncounted for.

The Latest Strategy, 2025–2030:
In 2025, the Crown Prosecution Service published its Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy for 2025–2030, addressing a broad range of offending behaviours:

  • Child sexual abuse (CSA) and exploitation (CSE).
    Domestic abuse (DA) includes strangulation, suffocation, controlling or coercive behaviour, and economic abuse.
    Female genital mutilation (FGM) and other harmful practices.
    Honour-based abuse (HBA), forced marriage, and child marriage.
    Human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
    Rape and sexual offending, including non-contact offences such as intimate image abuse, “upskirting,” and “cyberflashing”.
    Stalking and harassment.

Data Gaps and the Need for Inclusivity:

The majority of victims are female, and most perpetrators are male.
Mainstream statistics often do not fully capture or disaggregated data for the LGBTQ community—an important area for future improvement.

In Summary:

The fight against VAWG has evolved from international recognition to comprehensive national strategies, shaped by both policy and tragic events. While progress has been made, including the potential Interpersonal Abuse and Violence Against Men and Boys (Strategy) Bill, ongoing challenges—including data gaps, emerging forms of abuse, and the need for cultural change—underscore why our work in prevention and support services is vital.