Police offer support to students in campaign against gender violence

Officers met with University of Hertfordshire students on Thursday (4 December) to offer support and advice as part of a global campaign tackling gender violence.

The constabulary and the university are currently taking part in ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’. The global campaign raises awareness of violence against women and girls (VAWG).

VAWG is any act of violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, mental harm to women and girls.  It includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse as well as financial, coercive and controlling behaviour and stalking and harassment.

On Thursday, officers attended the EleHouse on College Lane Campus to take part in a fair promoting the ‘16 Days…’ campaign.

The University Policing Team hosted a stall and were joined by Detective Constable Daisy Dopson, one of the many specialists from the constabulary’s Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit.

PCSO Carl Donovan, from the University Policing Team, said: “The constabulary takes violence against women and girls extremely seriously and the fair gave us a chance to talk about the work we are doing to tackle this, as well as give advice and support.

“We have dedicated teams in our Public Protection Command that work to safeguard those who are or have experienced abuse and hold perpetrators to account for their actions. There is also help and support available for both victims and for people who want help with violent, controlling or abusive behaviour. 

“For information about tackling violence against women and girls in Hertfordshire, or where to get help and support please go to our website.”

Geri Ward, Dean of Students at the University of Hertfordshire, said: “Our students’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Everyone deserves to feel safe, and raising awareness of national issues such as gender-based violence is vital to creating a community where every individual feels informed and supported. We are proud to stand with the ‘16 Days of Activism’ campaign and deeply value our partnership with Hertfordshire Constabulary, who work with us to maintain a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for all.”

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.

In an emergency, always call 999.

If you are in immediate danger but are afraid to speak, call us on 999 then press 5 and 5 to alert us from a mobile. There is no need to speak, but police will be able to respond. Or if the matter is less urgent use our webchat service found on our website.

You can follow the University Policing Team on social media:

Instagram: @HertsuniPolice

X: @HertsUniPolice 

For student safety advice, visit the team’s page on the Hertfordshire Constabulary website.