Join Our 16 Days of Activism PQT Special: Preventing Male Violence Against Women and Girls
Date: 09/12
Time: Starting 3pm
Where: The OPCC Facebook and LinkedIn pages
What’s It About?
As part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, we’re hosting a special edition of Police Question Time (PQT), focusing on preventing male violence against women and girls (MVAWG). This session will bring together key voices from policing, community organisations, and advocacy to discuss collaborative strategies, share insights, and answer your questions.
This is your opportunity to engage with leaders in MVAWG prevention and learn more about the work being done across Avon and Somerset.
Meet the Panel:
- Clare Moody, Police and Crime Commissioner:
Clare Moody was elected as the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) in May 2024. With a diverse background spanning several sectors, Clare has significant experience in public service. She has served as a Member of the European Parliament, worked within No.10 Downing Street under Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and spent over 20 years as a Trade Union official, giving her a deep understanding of public office accountability.
Before taking on the PCC role, Clare was co-CEO of Equally Ours, an equality and human rights charity. In addition to her responsibilities as PCC, Clare also leads the national portfolio on Prevention and Children & Young People.
- Sarah Crew, Chief Constable, Avon and Somerset Police:
Sarah Crew has served with Avon and Somerset Constabulary for over 30 years. In November 2021, she became the first female Chief Constable. As Chief Constable, Sarah holds overall responsibility for leading the Force, setting its direction, and fostering a culture that builds public trust and confidence while ensuring the delivery of professional, effective, and efficient policing services.
On a national level, Sarah serves as the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for Rape and Adult Sexual Offences (RASSO), guiding the current cross-government review of the criminal justice system’s response to rape.
- Sarah O’Leary, CEO of Next Link and Safe Link:
Sarah has worked in the voluntary domestic and sexual violence sector for over 15 years, starting as a helpline volunteer at a rape crisis centre. Soon after she qualified as an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor and became the senior services manager for Safe Link ISVA and Next Link Domestic Abuse Services. She has been the CEO since 2021.
As CEO, Sarah oversees safe accommodation and community support services to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse in Avon and Somerset, and specialist support to women who have mental ill health needs. This includes a wide range of specialist services including Avon and Somerset’s ISVA service and dedicated support to disabled survivors, child victims, those facing honour based abuse, forced marriage, dedicated Black and minoritised and LGBTQ+ services.
- Laura Bates, Campaigner, Writer, and founder of the Everyday Sexism Project:
Laura Bates is a feminist activist, journalist and bestselling author. She has published 9 books including Fix the System Not the Women, and is the founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, which has given a quarter of a million women a voice and helped to change policy, policing and the national curriculum. She works regularly with schools, businesses, police forces and bodies from the United Nations to the Council of Europe to tackle gender inequality. She is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, an honorary fellow at St John’s College, Cambridge and holds honorary doctorates from the universities of Worcester, Suffolk and Anglia Ruskin.
Get Involved:
We want to hear from you! Submit your questions in advance, and our panel will address them during the live discussion.
Send your questions to: policequestiontime@avonandsomerset.police.uk
Why It Matters:
Male violence against women and girls (MVAWG) is a pervasive issue that demands a collective response. Preventing it requires collaboration across policing, community organisations, and society as a whole.
This event directly supports Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody’s priorities: reducing violent crime—particularly MVAWG—preventing crime through partnerships, and ensuring victims receive timely, effective support. By tuning in, you’ll gain valuable insights into the ongoing work across Avon and Somerset and see how these priorities are shaping real-world actions.
Join us and be part of the conversation that drives meaningful change.