The UK Government has unveiled a £1 billion strategy aimed at combating violence against women and girls, introducing a range of measures including a ban on ‘nudification’ apps and the development of smartphone filters designed to prevent children from sharing explicit images. This initiative, announced by Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, is part of a broader societal effort to tackle this pressing issue and promote safety for young people.
Speaking to The Mirror, Phillips emphasized the importance of the initiative, suggesting that it could save lives. The funding will be allocated to support victims and provide safe housing, addressing a significant gap in services for those affected by violence. Lisa Squire, whose daughter Libby was tragically murdered by a sex offender in 2019, expressed optimism that the measures would finally create a “safety net” for vulnerable individuals.
As part of the strategy, teachers will receive specialized training to address misogyny and empower young people to challenge harmful behaviors. The UK Government intends to collaborate with technology firms to implement nudity detection filters on smartphones, making it virtually impossible for children in the UK to take, share, or view explicit images. The proposed ban on nudification apps, which utilize AI to create fake explicit images of real individuals, has garnered significant support from advocacy groups.
Squire, reflecting on the government’s efforts, stated: “Until today it’s felt like nothing’s been done, but now it feels there is.” She believes these measures will have a tangible impact on the safety of young people. Phillips reiterated the need for a shift in focus, asserting, “For too long, on violence against women and girls, we have treated the symptoms and not the cause. No more.” The minister highlighted the importance of prevention measures in steering the youth away from harmful influences and addressing dangerous attitudes.
Roxy Longworth, a campaigner who experienced the traumatic consequences of sharing intimate images as a teenager, praised the legislation, stating that such device controls could have changed her life dramatically. Longworth emphasized the necessity for technology to be used as a protective tool rather than a harmful one. Recent data indicates that over 24 million people accessed nudification websites in a single month during 2023, with 96% of sexual deepfake images featuring women, underscoring the urgency of this initiative.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall reinforced the government’s commitment, asserting that women and girls deserve safety both online and offline. She warned that those profiting from harmful software would face legal repercussions. The Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy allocates up to £50 million for NHS services that support survivors of sexual violence and abuse, while police forces will adopt advanced forensic techniques to tackle rapists and abusers more effectively. Phillips noted that approximately 200 rapes are reported to the police daily, with many more going unreported, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
While the initiative has received praise, some advocates, such as Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, raised concerns about the ongoing underfunding of specialist support services. She argued that the strategy must include adequate resources to ensure that survivors receive the support they need. Similarly, Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid, described the strategy as commendable but cautioned that it could place additional pressure on already strained services.
The government’s announcement marks a significant step toward addressing the systemic issues surrounding violence against women and girls in the UK. As the plans unfold, many will be watching to see how effectively the measures are implemented and whether they will yield meaningful change in the lives of those affected.
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