Bournemouth University Expert Contributes Written Evidence to Inquiry on Violence Against Women and Girls

Written evidence by BU’s Professor Jonathan Parker has been accepted as a part of the enquiry into violence against women and girls.

Professor Parker, a Professor of Society and Social Welfare at Bournemouth University and a Visiting Professor at the University of Stavanger in Norway, submitted personal evidence based on many years of working within higher education and researching social issues.

The enquiry was looking for responses on the effectiveness of police services and the criminal justice system at responding to issues of violence and how it can be improved.

Professor Parker drew on research from colleagues to share his reflections that the effectiveness of services cannot be viewed in isolation without looking at wider cultural issues of behaviour with systemic change needed to teach and promote respect, dignity and consent throughout the education system alongside any changes to services and the justice system.

Speaking about the importance of the enquiry, Professor Parker said, “Tackling violence against women and girls is fundamental to any civil society and it is absolutely necessary that men also take responsibility for dealing with this problem. This enquiry offers an opportunity for evidence to be turned into policies and practice that addresses male misogynistic violence against women and girls”.