The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) work on behalf of the PCC to deliver the Police and Crime Plan, develop crime-reducing initiatives and commission services that support victims of crime.
The team will work towards the nationally recognised accreditation, which involves demonstrating a sustained commitment to preventing male violence against women through internal policies, training and overall organisational culture.
Staff will be upskilled in making positive change and developing strategies to make a difference.
Matt said: “As an organisation, Cleveland OPCC has a long-standing history of working to end men’s violence against women, by funding initiatives to support victims of abuse or to reduce the harm of perpetrators.
“This accreditation is about recognising these efforts and ensuring that ending violence against women and girls (VAWG) is not only central to our commissioning activity, but how we operate as an office.
“Police leaders earlier this year called VAWG an ‘epidemic’ and a ‘national threat’, with more than 3,000 VAWG offences reported nationally very day.
“Whilst there is quite a bit of work involved to achieve this accreditation, it’s more important that we set a visible example of how this issue should be at the heart of everything we do.”
The announcement comes as part of White Ribbon Day – and the following 16 Days of Activism to end violence against women and girls.
Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, the PCC’s office will share positive messages from male role models across Cleveland, who have shown their commitment to end violence against women and girls.
