Andy Munns
Newly formed Listening Circles have started as Wiltshire Police work to improve their response to violence against women and girls (VAWG).
This is part of their ongoing work following the feedback they received last year from a survey of almost 1,200 people – it revealed:
- More than a third of women and girls who have been victims of crime did not report this to Wiltshire Police.
- Of these, nearly 50% said they didn’t report the crime as they felt they would not have been taken seriously.
- A third of women said they would not bother reporting crimes to us Wiltshire Police in the future based on their experience of reporting crimes previously.
The Listening Circles have been created in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to provide a safe space for women and girls to share their experiences, feedback, and suggestions to help them shape the service they provide.
The first session was held on Thursday, 28th of September in Melksham. DCI Gemma Vinton said: “These Listening Circles are where we invite people to come and talk to us about how we can improve, what we can do better, and any ideas they’ve got to make the process of reporting to police more supportive, more engaging and to improve how we can help victims of VAWG crimes.
“We held our first Listening Circle in Melksham and it was really useful. We received some really good insight into the things that we can do better and the area in which we can improve. I’m really looking forward to holding more listening circles because hearing the victim’s voice is vital.”
If you are interested in talking to Wiltshire Police about how they can improve, what they can do better and want to make a difference for people in the future, they would like to hear from you.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Violent and sexual crimes against women and girls cause great concern in our communities and both the Chief Constable and I are determined to improve the service received by Wiltshire’s victims.
“The Listening Circles enable myself and the Force to gain valuable insight and make the necessary changes to restore the trust and confidence victims should have within policing, which is a key priority identified within my police and crime plan.
“I’m pleased to hear the first session led to some useful feedback, and I would urge people to have their voice heard by attending an upcoming Listening Circle and, in turn, help Wiltshire Police and the support services my office commissions to respond more effectively to those crimes.”
The next listening circles are being held in the following locations:
- Swindon Tuesday, October 10, 6.30pm – 8pm
- Salisbury Wednesday October 11, 6.30pm – 8pm
- Devizes Tuesday October 17, 6.30pm – 8pm
- Swindon Sunday November 12, 2pm – 4.30pm
- Trowbridge Wednesday November 22, 6.30pm – 8pm
- Chippenham Tuesday November 28, 6.30pm – 8pm
Getting in touch
For more information, visit wearelistening.uk, where you can find the link to register for the Listening Circles.
Police would always encourage anyone who has been a victim of crime or who has witnessed a crime to reach out to them.
Call 999 in an emergency, 101 if you are not in immediate danger or fill in an online crime report on our website.
You can also contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be passed on anonymously.
It’s understood that not everyone is ready or able to report to the police. There are many organisations and charities ready to support you. Information about support options is also available on the Wiltshire Police website.
