Past events and outcomes
We work with communities, partner organisations and local groups to understand concerns about violence against women and girls and identify ways to improve safety across Kent. This page shows how feedback has helped shape our work.
You said, we did
The feedback we received through meetings, events and community engagement has helped shape improvements to our website, information and public engagement activity.
| You said ... | We did ... |
|---|---|
| It could be difficult to recognise abuse. | We created a new Recognising abuse page with practical examples to help people identify abusive behaviours and understand that abuse is not always physical. |
| Support information was difficult to find. | We created a dedicated Help and support for victims and survivors page, bringing together support services, specialist advisers and advice for people supporting someone else. |
| You wanted clearer reporting information. | We created a dedicated Reporting abuse page explaining available reporting options, what happens when you report, and how to access support without reporting to the police. |
| It was not always clear where to start. | We redesigned the section to make it easier to find information, support and reporting options. |
| You wanted information written in a clearer and more accessible way. | We reviewed and rewrote information using plain English and improved the structure of pages to make information easier to understand. |
| You wanted to understand what violence against women and girls means. | We created clearer information explaining what violence against women and girls includes and why the term is used. |
| You wanted more information about support and safety initiatives. | We added information on local and national initiatives, support services and community engagement activities. |
| You wanted more opportunities to share your views and influence future work. | We created dedicated pages to share community engagement events, meeting outcomes and updates on how feedback is shaping our improvements. |
We continue to review feedback from communities, partners and people with lived experience. Their feedback helps us improve our services, information and engagement activity across Kent and shape future priorities.
Updates
In July 2026, we held online community events bringing together residents, partner organisations, schools and community groups to discuss violence against women and girls.
Topics included:
- the Kent Domestic Abuse Champion Programme
- violence against women and girls champions at Borden Grammar School
- the Feeling Safe in Kent campaign group
- young people's experiences and concerns about safety
- Kent Youth Justice Service's Engaging Girls policy and guidance
- updates from the Proactive Orders and Safeguarding Team
Before the events, participants were invited to share questions, concerns and suggestions. This feedback helped shape the discussions and informed improvements to our violence against women and girls web pages.
Kent Police worked with Rising Sun, a Kent-based charity supporting people affected by domestic abuse, to deliver The Butterfly Project.
The project uses public art to raise awareness of violence against women and girls and help people find support. Large butterfly murals, designed and painted by local artists and students, have been installed at locations across Ashford town centre to create a public art trail.
The butterfly is a symbol of transformation and resilience. Visitors are encouraged to stand in front of the wings as a reminder of the strength shown by victims and survivors and the journey towards recovery.
The murals will remain in place for at least a year, helping to keep conversations about violence against women and girls visible within the community.
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