On Monday 22nd November, Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) held a Hustings event for candidates ahead of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner by-elections on 25th November.
The theme of the Hustings was ‘Ending Violence Against Women & Girls’.
IDAS took the decision to host the event following the resignation of the former Police Fire & Crime Commissioner, Philip Allot, for victim blaming remarks made in a radio interview with BBC York following the horrific murder of Sarah Everard.
All five candidates attended the Hustings to discuss their plans should they be elected on 25th November, the UN Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women & Girls.
The event was attended by over 100 people and more than 40 questions were posed during the session with the candidates able to address a number of themes, including: concerns around victims’ confidence and engagement with court proceedings, the link between firearm possession in rural areas and domestic abuse incidents, and how the candidates would support marginalised groups to name a few.
The Hustings gave each candidate the opportunity to talk about their priorities and the actions that they would take to improve the response to and support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
As an independent charity, supporting many thousands of victims and survivors across North Yorkshire each year, we are pleased to have been able to provide this platform for such vital conversations which we hope will assist the public in making an informed decision on voting day.
Sarah Hill, CEO of IDAS says,
"Ending violence against women and girls is a national priority and yet it is down to individuals with the power to make decisions, including decisions about our blue-light services and commissioned support for victims, to make the real change needed to ensure women and girls are safe at home and on the street."
The 25th of November also marks the UN Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls, with the following 16 days dedicated to global action to tackle the problem of gender-based violence.
You can view a recording of the Hustings online.
Topic: PFCC Hustings Ending Violence Against Women & Girls
Start Time: Nov 22, 2021 17:29
Click here to view meeting recording
Access Passcode: 6+mnb9q9
IDAS is an independent charity that receive funding for commissioned services provision from the Office of the Police Fire & Crime Commissioner (OPFCC). The OPFCC has no direct or indirect role in the organisation, promotion or running of this husting event.
