Listening Circles held to improve response to violence against women and girls crimes

Wiltshire Police’s newly formed Listening Circles created in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner have started as the force works to improve their response to violence against women and girls.

The Listening Circles have been created to provide a safe space for women and girls to share their experiences, feedback, and suggestions to help Wiltshire Police shape the service they provide.

The first one was held on Thursday (28/09) in Melksham.

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.”

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 we would love to hear from you.

The next listening circles are being held in:

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

Published Friday 6 October 2023