Councillors back call for stronger national action to tackle men’s violence against women and girls
Published 26 October 2026
Councillors in South Oxfordshire have backed a motion calling for stronger national action to tackle men’s violence against women and girls.
Following a motion to Council on 22 October raised by Councillor Kate Gregory, Leader Maggie Filipova-Rivers will now write to the Home Secretary and Oxfordshire MPs urging the government to do more to prevent violence against women and girls. This includes introducing a long-term national campaign to challenge misogyny, promote healthy relationships, and change behaviour.
The council will also seek assurances from the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner that concerns around rape investigations and specialist resources are being addressed.
The motion recognises the wide-ranging impact of abuse, including domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, harassment, coercive control and online abuse. Following a discussion, the motion was passed, with an amendment to ensure it specified “Men’s” violence against women and girls. The motion also highlights growing concerns about online misogyny, and the additional barriers to support faced by women from minority ethnic communities, LGBT+ women, and younger women.
Councillor Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities, who seconded the motion, said:
“Supporting victims and survivors, promoting prevention and creating safer communities are priorities for this council. We know that some women face additional barriers when seeking help and it is important that support services are accessible, inclusive and well-resourced.
“Through this motion, we are also calling on national government and partners to take further action to drive meaningful change and improve outcomes for victims and survivors. Victims and survivors must have confidence that crimes will be investigated thoroughly and that action is taken to make communities safer for everyone.”
Councillor Kate Gregory, Councillor for Thame and proposer of the motion, said:
“Every woman and girl deserves to feel safe in their home, in their community and online. Violence against women and girls continues to affect far too many people and the impact can be devastating and long-lasting.
“This is not an issue that can be solved by local authorities alone. We need stronger national leadership, sustained public awareness campaigns and continued action to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that enable abuse to happen in the first place. By supporting this motion, the council is sending a clear message that violence against women and girls must remain a national priority.”
The council continues to support a range of community safety, safeguarding and partnership initiatives designed to help keep residents safe and support those affected by abuse.
Residents who are experiencing domestic abuse or other forms of violence and abuse can find information about local and national support services on the council’s website.
