22/11/2025
Sussex Police is seeking the views of the public as it looks to improve its response to violence against women and girls (VAWG).
The new VAWG Survey seeks honest feedback from women and girls on their perceptions of safety in public spaces during the next five weeks.
This is the third time Sussex Police has run the survey. In both 2021 and 2023, thousands of women and girls across Sussex took part, providing invaluable insights that have helped shape and improve their policing response to violence against women and girls , ultimately making Sussex a safer place for everyone.
This yearโs survey focuses particularly on non-contact sexual offences (NCSO), such as voyeurism and indecent exposure. Sussex Police know that offences like these can often act as early warning signs for more serious crimes, which is why they take every report seriously.
The survey will also remain open during White Ribbon Day, 25 November, which this year uses the theme โWe speak upโ, as Sussex Police support the international campaign to stand up against violence towards women through challenging inappropriate comments and behaviour.
Feedback from previous surveys has helped inform police plans in the following areas:
โข Increased patrols in identified VAWG hotspot areas, including night and day safety marshals
โข Targeting the highest-risk perpetrators through the development and deployment of Stalking Protection Orders. Sussex Police is now recognised as one of the leading forces in the country in this area.
โข Sussex Police have started training of sniffer dogs to detect spiking substances, after successfully deploying dogs from partnership forces at Brighton Pride.
โข The use of drones along Brighton beach to improve night-time safety and visibility.
โข Operation Shield runs across the force, using proactive patrols to identify people who may be exhibiting concerning behaviour towards women and girls.
โข Sussex Police have enhanced work to record and investigate non-contact sexual offences (NCSO), and encourage people to report these to the police, so that they can be investigated and victims given the support they need.
Incredible amounts of work continue across the force to ensure that women and girls in Sussex feel safe โ at home, in public, at work, and online. But there is still more to do. This year, Sussex Police are especially keen to hear from young women aged 18โ24, who have previously been less likely to engage with them.
To help connect with younger audiences, Sussex Police have partnered with a local illustrator who has created female characters representing our communities, helping bring the VAWG Survey to life and encouraging more women to take part.
How you can help
Please:
โข Complete the survey yourself https://sussexpolice.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/vawg25
โข Share it with colleagues, friends and family.
The more responses Sussex Police receive, the clearer the picture they can build โ and the stronger their ability to protect women and girls across Sussex.
Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna said: โWe are committed to protecting women and girls and bringing perpetrators to justice, and this area remains a priority for Sussex Police.
โMuch of our work in this area has been recognised nationally as best practice and, weโre getting better outcomes for victims.
โEvery report of violence against women and girls is one too many, and we need to continue this dialogue both to show our communities we are listening, and to ensure our plans are informed by their feedback. The insight we gain from women and girls is incredibly valuable, and we know it takes courage to share.
โThe results of our third consultation will continue to inform our approach and we thank the public in advance for their support in completing and sharing the survey.โ
