COLUMN by Stroud MP Dr Simon Opher 

Violence against women and girls is a huge issue both locally and nationally.

Often these are crimes that happen at home, but they can also happen on the streets of our towns.

Over the last few years in Stroud, levels of domestic abuse have risen sharply, and the numbers of reported rapes, while low, also seem to be increasing.

These figures are, we believe, significantly under-reported.

This week I was pleased to catch up with Chrissie Lowery who leads the Night Angels here in Stroud.

They patrol the streets on Friday and Saturday nights from 11 pm through to the small hours, wearing their distinctive pink luminous tops, to try and ensure the safety of women who may be vulnerable and need a helping hand.

The service is run entirely by volunteers.

To date they have helped more than 130 people.

They also help men if the need arises, but their focus is on vulnerable women.

Often they see the effect of drink and drugs, which can leave people at a much higher risk of harm.

Although they work with police and ambulance services, these are too often over-stretched to lend a hand, and the Angels are clear that they offer an independent and separate service.

I am on an APPG committee in Parliament which aims to reduce violence and abuse against women.

It is led by Jess Phillips, the Birmingham MP who is Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls).

In general men who abuse women are likely to abuse, on average, seven separate women.

Jess believes that if we start by treating the perpetrator after the first incident then we can prevent a further six episodes of abuse.

Concentrating on the perpetrator may seem counter-intuitive, but she argues this is the best way to bring down levels of violence - although this cannot be at the expense of supporting the victims of these crimes.

One of the most important issues with women victims is that they need to be encouraged and supported to report crimes against them.

Women can contact the police in confidence - they will be fully supported and the crimes committed against them will be properly investigated.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are in immediate danger, you should call 999.

You can also contact the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) for free and confidential support by calling 01452 726570.

There is a fundraiser quiz for the Night Angels at Stroud Brewery this Sunday at 6pm.