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Violence Against Women and Girls

Our commitment to justice

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) crimes are deeply harmful. They can have a devastating impact on victims and witnesses, families, communities, and society.

The CPS is committed to seeing justice delivered for victims of Violence Against Women Girls (VAWG) crimes and we are determined to play our role in bringing perpetrators to justice.

VAWG cases are amongst the highest priority work in the criminal justice system. They are regarded as serious offences by the CPS, with the safety of adult and child victims an essential consideration when prosecuting cases.

Find more information and support for victims of crime

Find out how we’re tackling:

Rape and Sexual Assault

Find out about these offences, how we prosecute these cases and how victims are supported throughout

Information on rape and sexual assault

Domestic abuse

Find out about what domestic abuse is, including controlling and coercive behaviour, how we prosecute these cases and support for victims and witnesses

Information on domestic abuse

Honour-based abuse

Learn about the different types of honour-based abuse, like female genital mutilation and forced marriage and how the Crown Prosecution Service brings offenders to justice

Information on honour-based abuse

Stalking and harassment

Find out more about these offences, how we prosecute these cases and how victims are supported throughout

Information on stalking and harassment

Child sexual abuse

Find out about these offences, how we prosecute these cases

Information on child sexual abuse

Male victims

The CPS has always been committed to securing justice for all victims, and we apply policies fairly and equally.

Information on male victims

Our strategy for change

As part of the CPS commitment to VAWG crimes we have an overarching VAWG strategy.  The strategy prioritises two things: improving casework quality and increasing trust in the Crown Prosecution Service.

This strategy will maximise the potential to hold offenders to account, building confidence in victims and the public in our ability to tackle VAWG offending. Once the strategy is published, you'll be able to find it here.

Related information

Key performance data

Quarterly data monitoring how well the Crown Prosecution Service is performing in relation to key offences

See latest performance data

Where to go for support

Our guide for victims of sexual abuse has a helpful step-by-step guide of how a case progresses and the support we, and others, can provide

Victims sexual abuse guide