In the urgent mission to end Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Rebecca Hewitt is proving that systemic change requires more than just policy—it requires a radical, proactive, and compassionate approach.
Representing the South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership and Teignbridge District Council, Rebecca was recently presented with the Combatting Violence Against Women and Girls Award. Her work is being hailed as a blueprint for local authorities nationwide, directly credited with saving lives through innovative intervention and substantial funding.
Financing a Safer Future
Securing resources is often the biggest hurdle in public safety, but Rebecca has proven to be a formidable advocate. She has successfully secured over £300,000 in funding to launch and sustain critical projects. These funds haven’t just sat in a bank account; they have been transformed into high-impact programmes, including:
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‘Is This Okay?’: A vital project focused on identifying and challenging harmful sexual behaviours before they escalate.
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‘Let’s Talk’: A parental awareness programme designed to give families the tools to discuss healthy relationships and consent with the next generation.
Innovation in Enforcement
Perhaps most impressive is Rebecca’s “radical” approach to proactive policing and protection. By innovating the use of Community Protection Warnings (CPWs) to tackle VAWG at the earliest possible stage, she has shifted the focus from reactive punishment to early prevention.
The results speak for themselves: her strategy has achieved a 90%+ compliance rate across South Devon and Dartmoor. By intervening early with these warnings, Rebecca and her team are effectively disrupting patterns of abuse and preventing future harm.
A Legacy of Protection
Rebecca Hewitt’s work goes beyond standard community safety. By blending educational outreach with strategic enforcement, she has created a safety net that catches women and girls before they fall through the cracks of the system.
This award isn’t just a recognition of her professional skill—it’s a testament to her dedication to making the South West a place where everyone, regardless of gender, can live without fear.
“Rebecca’s approach isn’t just about managing statistics; it’s about changing the culture. Securing £300k is a feat, but using it to achieve 90% compliance in safety warnings is a revolution.”
