The Way Forward

The Way Forward is the Mayor's strategy to end all forms of violence against women in the capital. It is a key part of the Mayor's commitment to make London safer for all Londoners.

It puts prevention at its core and will, for the first time, bring the work of the police, local authorities, third sector, NHS and criminal justice system to end all forms of violence against women together under one umbrella. 

The strategy is built upon five specific objectives:

1. London taking a global lead to end violence against women
2. Improve access to support
3. Address the health, social and economic consequences of violence
4. Protect women at risk
5. Get tough with perpetrators.

The Way Forward: Final Strategy PDF

The Way Forward: Final Strategy RTF

Delivering Our Way Forward: Action Plan 2010-2011

This a broad, ambitious strategy and to deliver it requires clear plans for action. We have published Action Plan 2010-2011, which spells out detailed actions for this two-year period and future priorities for 2012-2014. In 2010, our priorities will be:

• Raising awareness of and challenge attitudes that underpin violence against women and girls
• Developing data and information
• Improving training
• Coordinating communication and information
• Lobbying at national, regional and local levels.

The Way Forward: Action Plan 2010-2011 PDF

From Draft to Final Strategy: How we got there and what changed

The Way Forward was released as a draft in April 2009, and as a final strategy in March 2010, following a review by the London Assembly and extensive consultation with agencies, communities and individuals across London.

The consultation for The Way Forward gathered detailed feedback from over 400 agencies and individuals. It led to the following specific changes to the strategy:

The strategy will develop a stronger tone where actions are within the direct power of the Mayor. However, we also have to recognise that the Mayor can provide leadership and political direction. Delivery of the strategy will require other agencies to work together.

• The violence against women programme will ensure that there is research to gain a better understanding of some types of violence before developing a strategic response, for instance on forced marriage, female genital mutilation and gang rape. This will be done with partners and will build on existing research.
• While there is a clear link between trafficking and prostitution, the long-term strategy will identify that these two issues should also be looked at separately.
• A clear distinction will be made to provide separate responses for children who witness violence and children who directly experience violence.
• The strategy will only address children witnessing or experiencing gender related violence. Incorporating wider types of violence involving children does not fit within the strategy and is covered by other strategies and partnerships.
• The strategy will ensure that it takes into account all hard-to-reach groups as well as those women who are more likely to access mainstream services.
• The strategy will distinguish between ‘gang rape’ and ‘gang related rape’.

You can read more detail about the consultation responses in the supporting documents below.

London Assembly Response to The Way Forward PDF
London Assembly Response to The Way Forward RTF

Summary of consultation responses PDF

Summary of Consultation Responses RTF