Kingston upon Thames Council has officially approved a new strategy aimed at tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) as part of its broader commitment to enhancing community safety.
The People Committee, during its meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, endorsed the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy (2025-30) and noted significant progress on the Safer Kingston Partnership Plan (2024-29).
This strategy introduces two new priorities for the upcoming year: Online Harm
and Reducing Reoffending.
These additions reflect an annual strategic assessment designed to address emerging safety concerns within the borough, particularly in the digital space and in relation to repeat offending. Three cross-cutting themes have also been revised to support these new priorities: multiple disadvantage,
trauma informed response,
and disproportionality.
These themes will guide a more holistic approach to addressing the root causes of violence and vulnerability.
The Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy has already received national recognition, securing a Silver Award at the Local Government Chronicle Awards for its co-produced approach. This strategy places survivors at the centre from the start, as equal partners shaping priorities, influencing design, and guiding delivery across the borough. Survivors are not merely participants but are integral to influencing decisions that affect their safety, recovery, and futures.
The Safer Kingston Partnership, a collaboration between the Council, Police, Integrated Care Board, Probation Service, and London Fire Brigade, has been instrumental in developing and implementing these safety initiatives. The 2025-2026 annual review of the Safer Kingston Partnership Plan highlighted several key achievements, including national recognition for projects such as EnTRAPreneurship, which was a runner-up for Excellence in Innovation at the National Serious Organised Crime Conference. The Vulnerable Adolescent Supported into Adulthood (VASA) Panel has also been successful, driving a 136% increase in referrals. Furthermore, Kingston was selected as one of six London boroughs to participate in the Cabinet Office 'Test, Learn and Grow' Living Lab Pilot, focused on disrupting intergenerational cycles of domestic abuse. A 24/7 helpline for hate crime victims was launched in partnership with Stop Hate UK, and a youth-led community safety conference saw 60 young people influence safety priorities. The youth co-produced anti-racism film 'Survivants' was shortlisted for the London Mayor's Youth Achievement Award. The borough also exceeded Home Office Prevent Benchmarking Assessment standards, with its channel panel templates highlighted as best practice.
Councillor Sabah Hamid, Chair of the People Committee, commended the officers for their work, stating, It really is about strengthening communities. It's about early intervention, and it's about making Kingston a really safe and inclusive borough.
Public engagement and survivor empowerment have been central to the strategy's achievements, exemplified by the 'Silent No More' event and increased outreach via Sisterhood Sanctuary, Womens Hub, and targeted youth engagement.
Further details on the Safer Kingston Partnership Plan and the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy can be found in the annual report presented to the committee, available in the Public reports pack Tuesday 23-Jun-2026 19.30 People Committee.
