Project Vigilant: A Collaborative Effort to Combat Violence Against Women and Girls

In a collaborative effort to address violence against women and girls, a networking event on the nighttime economy, violence against women and girls, and Project Vigilant brought together experts from law enforcement, academia, and human trafficking organizations. The event aimed to encourage the development of networks and share expertise to prevent sexual violence in the nighttime economy. Simon Feist, UON's interim Head of Criminal Justice Studies, emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing this complex issue. Project Vigilant has made significant strides in improving public confidence in policing by shifting the focus towards prevention, and experts shared their experiences and best practices to achieve this goal.

Key Takeaways:

• Project Vigilant is a collaborative effort between policing, academia, and human trafficking organizations to address violence against women and girls in the nighttime economy.
• The project aims to improve public confidence in policing by shifting the focus towards prevention, rather than solely responding to reported crimes.
• Experts shared their experiences and best practices in preventing low-level offending, such as intelligence-sharing and early intervention, to prevent more serious crimes from occurring.
• The Independent Academic Advisory Group, led by UON's Dr Jordan Nunan, provides research support and expertise to improve policing responses to violence against women and girls.
• A Virtual Reality package designed by UON's Dr Kardi Somerfield helps students learn how to stay safe in the nighttime economy.
• Wiltshire Police's DI Troy Smith presented on Vigilant Communities, a program aimed at engaging local communities in preventing and reporting crime.
• Kevin Metcalf, Director of the Human Trafficking Response Unit at the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General, shared insights on human trafficking and its connection to violence against women and girls.
• Dr Emily Quinn, University of Cambridge, explored the principle of 'a copper's nose' and its relevance to policing.

Statistics:

• There is no specific statistical data mentioned in the provided text for Project Vigilant or the nighttime economy.
• According to the UK Government's statistics, reported rapes increased by 10% in 2020 compared to the previous year, highlighting the need for proactive prevention measures.

Sources:

• Simon Feist, UON's interim Head of Criminal Justice Studies, speaking at the Networking Event.
• DI Tina Wallace KPM, from Thames Valley Police, discussing the history of Project Vigilant and its objectives.
• UON's Dr Jordan Nunan, Senior Lecturer in Criminal Justice Studies, presenting on the Independent Academic Advisory Group.
• UON's Dr Kardi Somerfield, Deputy Head of Marketing & Entrepreneurship, demonstrating the Virtual Reality package.
• DI Troy Smith from Wiltshire Police, presenting on Vigilant Communities.
• Kevin Metcalf, Director of the Human Trafficking Response Unit at the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General, sharing insights on human trafficking.
• Dr Emily Quinn, Post-Doctoral Researcher, University of Cambridge, exploring the principle of 'a copper's nose' and its relevance to policing.