THIS Wednesday is International Women’s Day, an annual event bringing attention to issues like gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

This week also marks the launch of a campaign by West Yorkshire Police to focus on violence against women and girls. The force was recently White Ribbon accredited, as part of a national campaign to take a stand to end male violence against women and take action to change behaviours and culture.

The NSPCC and its Childline service support girls through whatever they are experiencing, whether that is neglect, bullying, or physical, emotional or sexual abuse. Our counsellors listen and offer support and advice. The number of child abuse image crimes recorded by police has risen significantly in the last five years, with a 92per cent increase recorded by West Yorkshire Police between 2016/17 and 2021/22.

In partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation, the NSPCC has created Report Remove, allowing young people to report images of themselves shared online. The IWF reviews the image and works to have the content removed from the internet if it breaks the law. Find out more at childline.org.uk/remove

Childline counsellors have recently heard from young girls exposed to the effects of online misogyny. Certain online accounts and influencers promote this kind of behaviour, and this is finding its way into classrooms. It is despicable that young people are exposed to the promotion of violence against women and girls while they navigate social media. Viewing this material at a young age can shape young people’s experiences and attitudes, leading to further harm, on and offline.

Childline counsellors can support young people and West Yorkshire Police can offer advice and signposting. But more can be done, with the inclusion of a Violence Against Women and Girls Code of Practice in the Online Safety Bill. The VAWG Code of Practice should prevent the algorithms of sites from amplifying sexism and gendered abuse to users. We’re calling for these amendments to be made to help prevent violence against women and girls online. A robust VAWG Code of Practice could be a huge step towards supporting future generations of women.

For support about any of these matters, or if you have concerns about a child, email help@nspcc.org.uk

For more about West Yorkshire Police’s focus on violence against women and girls, go to westyorkshire.police.uk/VAWG