Help us reduce violence against women and girls
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Members of the public are invited to get involved in shaping our work to tackle violence against women and girls.
Two new advisory groups will share their views and experiences, scrutinise cases and provide advice to the force on a variety of topics.
There will be two groups, one for men and one for women. The aim of the advisory groups is to improve the quality of policing by being the critical link between the community and the police.
Derbyshire Constabulary is committed to creating an environment where women and girls can feel safe and be safe within Derbyshire, free of fear and harassment.
As part of the force’s commitment to reducing violence against women and girls (VAWG), we are launching a new strategy outlining how we intend to ensure that women and girls are safe and feel safe.
To do this, we recognise we need to listen to the voices of those with lived experience to help shape our response.
What will the groups do?
Both groups will focus on three key priorities:
- Increasing trust and confidence in policing
- Pursuit of perpetrators
- Creating safe spaces (in private, public, online and schools)
Both groups will create a safe space for people to speak openly. The groups will have challenging, constructive and reflective conversations about the violence against women and girls (VAWG) agenda and the critical role we all play in the solution to keeping women and girls safe and feeling safe.
We recognise that all women and girls will have their own unique experiences of discrimination and oppression. We must be truly inclusive and alert to all issues that have the potential to marginalise women and girls, whether it be race, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability or disability.
It is equally important to recognise that although there is rightly a focus on how women and girls are affected by certain types of crime, there is a need to create a safe space for men to report as victims too.
Men are traditionally less likely to report domestic violence related offences, so it is important to consider how the national conversation on violence against women and girls could further discourage men from coming forward as victims.
Who can apply?
This is a voluntary role. We welcome applications from all members of all the diverse communities within Derbyshire.
We need you to be:
- aged 18 or over
- living or working in Derbyshire
- interested in policing
- able to volunteer for a few hours every couple of months
- willing to share your opinions and advice.
We are looking for people from all walks of life, with experience either in their personal or professional lives. It may be that you have views because you’re a parent, carer, or grandparent, or perhaps you work with victims or support people as part of a faith group. Anyone is welcome and we believe everyone has something to offer.
You don't need any specialist qualifications - just an interest in your local area.
Members would have to commit to regular attendance. The unpredictable nature of policing means that occasionally, members may also be called if specific issues arise.
Further information about the Voices Advisory Groups can be found in the attached Terms of Reference.
Applications will be open until Friday 29 September 2023, with an aim for the first meetings to take place in late November 2023.
If you are interested in applying for this voluntary role please read the Terms of Reference guides here:
Women's: Womens advisory group terms of reference.pdf
Men's: Mens advisory group terms of reference.pdf
To apply or find out more about becoming a member of the Voices Advisory Group, please email:
[email protected] – Women’s Advisory Group
[email protected] – Men’s Advisory Group