Addressing the Rise in Violence Against Women Following Southport and Crossbow Attacks

2nd August 2024
In light of the devastating rise in violence against women in July 2024, including the Southport attack and Crossbow murders, we stand with Women’s Aid and 76 other organisations in a joint letter to the Home Secretary.
On July 29, 2024, a man attacked a children’s dance and yoga event in Southport, killing three children and injuring nine others. The girls, aged between six and nine, were participating in a Taylor Swift-themed workshop when the attack occurred. This event, described by witnesses as “horrific,” has deeply affected the local community and beyond. The police have since arrested the suspect, and the incident has sparked further outrage and calls for urgent action against such violence.
In the same month, BBC commentator John Hunt’s family was brutally attacked with a crossbow. Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were murdered in their home by Louise’s former boyfriend. Despite Hannah’s desperate call for help to 999, all three women were pronounced dead at the scene. This incident has deeply affected the Hunt family and the community, who mourn the loss of these three women​.
In response to the Southport attack, we joined Women’s Aid and 76 other member organisations in a joint letter to the Home Secretary which stated: “This incident is a horrific tragedy – it is disappointing that it is being viewed in isolation and not through a lens of violence against women and girls (VAWG). As with other incidents we have seen in recent years – whether it be the murders of Nicole Smallman, Bibaa Henry, Sarah Everard, Ellie Gould, or Alice Ruggles – the violence has always been a male problem.”
The Southport and Crossbow attacks have taken place amidst a concerning rise in VAWG across the UK. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) report declared violence against women and girls (VAWG) a “national emergency,” and revealed a 37% increase in such crimes compared to last year. This “staggering” rise emphasises the urgent need for immediate and effective measures to combat this epidemic. The NPCC report underscores the prevalence and severity of VAWG, calling for comprehensive strategies to protect women and girls nationwide​. 
Deputy Police Officer Maggie Blyth emphasised the need for a coordinated and robust response from all sectors of society. Her advocacy aligns with our collective call for drastic action to address and prevent violent crimes.
In response to this SATEDA CEO, Carey Philpott said: “We welcome this crucial focus on the enormity of male violence against women and girls in the UK—a reality we witness daily through the increasing demand for our services. It is heartening to see a commitment to address this national emergency head-on, especially as Labour pledges to ‘halve violence against women and girls’ over the next decade.”
SATEDA is the only charity in Swale dedicated to exclusively support women and children affected by domestic abuse. We offer vital support, regular drop-ins for confidential advice in Swale and Maidstone, and court assistance throughout Kent. Our school programs aim to counteract misogynistic content from online influencers like Andrew Tate, educating young people to challenge harmful narratives. By addressing these issues at the grassroots level, we foster a future free from violence and abuse.
We encourage you to stand with us and our Swale Community Partners to work together to end violence against women and girls. Here are some ways you can help:
  • Talk about domestic abuse with those around you.
  • Call out sexist and misogynistic behaviour when you witness it—don’t be a bystander.
  • Donate to SATEDA so we can continue our mission to support women and children escaping and recovering from domestic abuse in Swale.
  • Read the joint letter Women’s Aid sent to the Home Secretary.
Our services are life-changing for many women, as reflected in these testimonials from our clients: “SATEDA made me realise I’m not to blame for how I’ve been treated.”
This epidemic of violence against women and girls demands urgent action. We urge the government to implement robust measures to protect and support victims. Your support is crucial.
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Above: Some of our Swale Community Partners in December 2023 working together to end violence against women and girls.

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