Monday 22nd June 2026
Speaker's House, Westminster, London
SPONSOR
MEDIA PARTNER
Monday 22nd June 2026
Speaker's House, Westminster, London
SPONSOR
MEDIA PARTNER
Celebrating Leadership, Courage & Change
Celebrating Leadership, Courage and Change
The inaugural Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards brought together parliamentarians, campaigners, charities, survivors and frontline organisations to recognise those working tirelessly to prevent violence against women and girls, support survivors and drive lasting change.
Throughout the evening, we celebrated extraordinary achievements in advocacy, prevention and survivor support, recognising the dedication, leadership and determination that's creating safer lives for women and girls across the UK.
We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined us, and to all those whose commitment, compassion and perseverance continue to support survivors, challenge abuse and make a lasting difference.
The inaugural Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards brought together parliamentarians, campaigners, charities, survivors and frontline organisations to recognise those working tirelessly to prevent violence against women and girls, support survivors and drive lasting change.
Throughout the evening, we celebrated extraordinary achievements in advocacy, prevention and survivor support, recognising the dedication, leadership and determination that's creating safer lives for women and girls across the UK.
We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined us, and to all those whose commitment, compassion and perseverance continue to support survivors, challenge abuse and make a lasting difference.
Voices United Against VAWG
Voices United Against VAWG
The ceremony was opened by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, followed by a keynote address from Natalie Fleet MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls. Natalie's address reinforced the message that echoed throughout the evening: preventing violence against women and girls requires sustained leadership an unwavering commitment to change.
Joining them were George Gordon, Communications and Corporate Affairs Director, TSB Bank, Rebecca Smith MP, Dame Nicole Jacobs, Lucy Rigby MP, Sarah Owen MP, Alex Davies-Jones MP and Jess Phillips MP, who presented the awards and celebrated the remarkable individuals and organisations making a difference.
The ceremony was opened by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, followed by a keynote address from Natalie Fleet MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls. Natalie's address reinforced the message that echoed throughout the evening: preventing violence against women and girls requires sustained leadership an unwavering commitment to change.
Joining them were George Gordon, Communications and Corporate Affairs Director, TSB Bank, Rebecca Smith MP, Dame Nicole Jacobs, Lucy Rigby MP, Sarah Owen MP, Alex Davies-Jones MP and Jess Phillips MP, who presented the awards and celebrated the remarkable individuals and organisations making a difference.
Meet the 2026 Winners
Meet the Winners
Recognised for outstanding achievement across advocacy, campaigning, policymaking, frontline services, community action and survivor leadership.
Recognised for outstanding achievement across advocacy, campaigning, policymaking, frontline services, community action and survivor leadership.
The Parliamentarian Ally of the Year
WINNER: Jess Asato MP
The Parliamentarian Ally of the Year
WINNER: Jess Asato MP
Jess Asato has brought years of frontline experience to her parliamentary advocacy. In Parliament, she has championed amendments to the Victims and Courts Act to strengthen specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence services, raised the urgent need for sustainable funding for rape crisis centres and refuges, and worked to highlight the experiences of non-abusing parents and carers whose children have experienced sexual abuse. She has also been at the forefront of efforts to address technology-facilitated abuse, including AI-generated sexual images, and online misogyny.
2026 Finalists:
- Baroness Bertin
- Baroness Owen
Jess Asato has brought years of frontline experience to her parliamentary advocacy. In Parliament, she has championed amendments to the Victims and Courts Act to strengthen specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence services, raised the urgent need for sustainable funding for rape crisis centres and refuges, and worked to highlight the experiences of non-abusing parents and carers whose children have experienced sexual abuse. She has also been at the forefront of efforts to address technology-facilitated abuse, including AI-generated sexual images, and online misogyny.
2026 Finalists:
- Baroness Bertin
- Baroness Owen
Campaign of the Year Award
WINNER: Open Justice For All
Campaign of the Year Award
WINNER: Open Justice For All
Open Justice for All was founded to change the law and make it easier for survivors to access the court transcripts of their case. These transcripts can help to understand case outcomes, but can cost up to thousands of pounds. The campaign centres survivor voices, giving victims the opportunity to share their experiences in media, on radio and television, and on social platforms, either anonymously or by waiving their right to anonymity. Since 2026, all victims are entitled to their sentencing remarks free of charge, a step towards greater transparency and understanding for survivors navigating the courts.
2026 Finalists:
- Make it Mandatory
- #NailDomesticAbuse
Open Justice for All was founded to change the law and make it easier for survivors to access the court transcripts of their case. These transcripts can help to understand case outcomes, but can cost up to thousands of pounds. The campaign centres survivor voices, giving victims the opportunity to share their experiences in media, on radio and television, and on social platforms, either anonymously or by waiving their right to anonymity. Since 2026, all victims are entitled to their sentencing remarks free of charge, a step towards greater transparency and understanding for survivors navigating the courts.
2026 Finalists:
- Make it Mandatory
- #NailDomesticAbuse
Frontline Service Award
WINNER: Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service Staff
Frontline Service Award
WINNER: Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service Staff
When Lee Milne was found guilty of culpable homicide, it was the first time an offender had been found criminally responsible for the suicide of their partner. The case was the result of meticulous work by prosecutors across the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, including the High Court Homicide Team, the National Lead for Domestic Abuse, and colleagues in Crown Counsel and Media Relations. Together, they built an evidence base that proved Milne’s abuse was a significant contributing factor in Kimberly’s death, and could set a precedent for future cases.
2026 Finalists:
- Revenge Porn Helpline - South West Grid for Learning
- The DIVAS Group
When Lee Milne was found guilty of culpable homicide, it was the first time an offender had been found criminally responsible for the suicide of their partner. The case was the result of meticulous work by prosecutors across the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, including the High Court Homicide Team, the National Lead for Domestic Abuse, and colleagues in Crown Counsel and Media Relations. Together, they built an evidence base that proved Milne’s abuse was a significant contributing factor in Kimberly’s death, and could set a precedent for future cases.
2026 Finalists:
- Revenge Porn Helpline - South West Grid for Learning
- The DIVAS Group
Grassroots Community Award
WINNER: The Night Angels
Grassroots Community Award
WINNER: The Night Angels
Founded after a series of sexual assaults in Stroud, the Night Angels are a team of volunteers who patrol on weekend evenings providing reassurance and support to women and others who feel vulnerable in the night-time economy. They currently patrol in Stroud, Swindon and Gloucester, with plans to grow into other areas of the UK. In 2025, Train Angels was launched in partnership with Great Western Railway to improve safety on trains in response to rising reports of sexual harassment. Founded by survivor Chrissie Lowery, the group are a powerful example of how to turn lived experience into life-saving action.
2026 Finalists:
- Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU)
- SHEWISE
Founded after a series of sexual assaults in Stroud, the Night Angels are a team of volunteers who patrol on weekend evenings providing reassurance and support to women and others who feel vulnerable in the night-time economy. They currently patrol in Stroud, Swindon and Gloucester, with plans to grow into other areas of the UK. In 2025, Train Angels was launched in partnership with Great Western Railway to improve safety on trains in response to rising reports of sexual harassment. Founded by survivor Chrissie Lowery, the group are a powerful example of how to turn lived experience into life-saving action.
2026 Finalists:
- Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU)
- SHEWISE
Media Contribution of the Year Award
WINNER: Laura Hills, Former Head of Planning for Loose Women
Media Contribution of the Year Award
WINNER: Laura Hills, Former Head of Planning for Loose Women
As former head of planning at ITV’s Loose Women, Laura Hills demonstrated outstanding commitment to raising awareness of domestic abuse through responsible, high-impact media engagement. Working closely with Refuge, Laura created media opportunities for survivors, and ensured relevant programming was supported by expert input and clear signposting to support services, notably Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline. She also gave advance notice of shows likely to increase demand on the helpline, demonstrating her understanding of frontline realities.
2026 Finalists:
- Mollie Malone, News Correspondent, Sky News
- Vicky Shaw, Personal Finance Correspondent, The Press Association
As former head of planning at ITV’s Loose Women, Laura Hills demonstrated outstanding commitment to raising awareness of domestic abuse through responsible, high-impact media engagement. Working closely with Refuge, Laura created media opportunities for survivors, and ensured relevant programming was supported by expert input and clear signposting to support services, notably Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline. She also gave advance notice of shows likely to increase demand on the helpline, demonstrating her understanding of frontline realities.
2026 Finalists:
- Mollie Malone, News Correspondent, Sky News
- Vicky Shaw, Personal Finance Correspondent, The Press Association
Volunteer of the Year Award
WINNER: Victoria Mason, Own My Life
Volunteer of the Year Award
WINNER: Victoria Mason,
Own My Life
Victoria Mason is Partnership Development Lead at Own My Life, a 12-week programme helping women regain control of their lives after abuse. Through strategic partnerships, she has helped expand the programme’s reach to nearly 21,000 women. Participants report increased confidence, reduced self-blame, improved wellbeing and stronger engagement with career progression.
2026 Finalists:
- Vivienne Barker, Bromley & Croydon Women’s Aid
- Ryan Davis, Trustee, Tender
Victoria Mason is Partnership Development Lead at Own My Life, a 12-week programme helping women regain control of their lives after abuse. Through strategic partnerships, she has helped expand the programme’s reach to nearly 21,000 women. Participants report increased confidence, reduced self-blame, improved wellbeing and stronger engagement with career progression.
2026 Finalists:
- Vivienne Barker, Bromley & Croydon Women’s Aid
- Ryan Davis, Trustee, Tender
Survivor Ambassador of the Year Award
WINNER: Claire Throssell
Survivor Ambassador of the Year Award
WINNER: Claire Throssell
Claire Throssel’s young sons Jack and Paul were killed by their father in 2014. Since then, Claire has dedicated herself to ensuring no other child is placed at risk through unsafe contact arrangements. In October 2015, the Ministry of Justice announced it would repeal the presumption of parental involvement, with the government directly crediting Claire’s campaigning in making this commitment.
2026 Finalists:
- Yasmin Javed
- Pauline Jones
Claire Throssel’s young sons Jack and Paul were killed by their father in 2014. Since then, Claire has dedicated herself to ensuring no other child is placed at risk through unsafe contact arrangements. In October 2015, the Ministry of Justice announced it would repeal the presumption of parental involvement, with the government directly crediting Claire’s campaigning in making this commitment.
2026 Finalists:
- Yasmin Javed
- Pauline Jones
Lifetime Achievement Award
WINNER: Professor Clare McGlynn
Lifetime Achievement Award
WINNER: Prof. Clare McGlynn
Professor Clare McGlynn is a Professor of Law whose career has been defined by a commitment to ensuring that the law keeps pace with the ways in which women and girls are harmed, silenced, and failed by the systems meant to protect them. Perhaps best known for her work on violent online pornography and intimate image abuse, she has been instrumental in getting VAWG provisions into the Online Safety Act, deepfakes into the Data Act, and action on pornography into the Crime and Policing Bill.
As her nominator put it, Clare is as effective lobbying a government minister as she is reaching audiences on social media – a communicator who combines formidable legal arguments with a passionate sense of injustice, and who has spent her career giving a voice to those too often ignored.
Professor Clare McGlynn is a Professor of Law whose career has been defined by a commitment to ensuring that the law keeps pace with the ways in which women and girls are harmed, silenced, and failed by the systems meant to protect them. Perhaps best known for her work on violent online pornography and intimate image abuse, she has been instrumental in getting VAWG provisions into the Online Safety Act, deepfakes into the Data Act, and action on pornography into the Crime and Policing Bill.
As her nominator put it, Clare is as effective lobbying a government minister as she is reaching audiences on social media – a communicator who combines formidable legal arguments with a passionate sense of injustice, and who has spent her career giving a voice to those too often ignored.
Meet The Judges
Meet The Judges
Our judges are united by a shared commitment to recognising those making a real difference in preventing violence against women and girls. Each brings valuable perspective and expertise to the judging process.
Our judges are united by a shared commitment to recognising those making a real difference in preventing violence against women and girls. Each brings valuable perspective and expertise to the judging process.
Alex McIntyre MP
MP for Gloucester
"The Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards are a vital opportunity to recognise the individuals and organisations who do so much to support, empower and rebuild the lives of women and girls impacted by violence.
We all need to remember our responsibility to end violence against women and girls, and the opportunity to honour the people taking on that responsibility day in and day out is a huge privilege."
"The Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards are a vital opportunity to recognise the individuals and organisations who do so much to support, empower and rebuild the lives of women and girls impacted by violence.
We all need to remember our responsibility to end violence against women and girls, and the opportunity to honour the people taking on that responsibility day in and day out is a huge privilege."
Dr Nicola Sharp-Jeffs, OBE
Founder and former CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse
“I’m excited to join the judging panel for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards.
Not only is it an opportunity to demonstrate my support for the Awards, but also to recognise and celebrate excellence in the field.”
“I’m excited to join the judging panel for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards.
Not only is it an opportunity to demonstrate my support for the Awards, but also to recognise and celebrate excellence in the field.”
Rebecca Smith MP
MP and Chair of the Plymouth VAWG Commission
“Sometimes when we look at the ongoing challenge of tackling violence against women and girls, it is easy to lose sight of the positive changes already taking place.
I am excited about the Total Politics VAWG awards because they shine a light on the brilliant individuals and organisations who are doing the hard work on the ground, dedicating themselves to bringing change where they are."
“Sometimes when we look at the ongoing challenge of tackling violence against women and girls, it is easy to lose sight of the positive changes already taking place.
I am excited about the Total Politics VAWG awards becuase they shine a light on the brilliant individuals and organisations who are doing the hard work on the ground, dedicating themselves to bringing change where they are."
Wendy Chamberlain MP
MP for North East Fife
“Tackling violence against women and girls is an issue I care deeply about, both as a parliamentarian and through my wider advocacy work.
These awards provide a vital opportunity to celebrate best practice, share learning, and shine a light on the dedication of individuals and organisations who too often go unrecognised, and I would welcome the opportunity to contribute by helping to assess and promote their outstanding work.
“Tackling violence against women and girls is an issue I care deeply about, both as a parliamentarian and through my wider advocacy work.
These awards provide a vital opportunity to celebrate best practice, share learning, and shine a light on the dedication of individuals and organisations who too often go unrecognised, and I would welcome the opportunity to contribute by helping to assess and promote their outstanding work.
“It’s a privilege to be joining the panel for the Prevention of Violence Against Women Awards, recognising the vital work being done across policy, campaigns and frontline services.
As a journalist based in Parliament, with a particular interest in women’s justice and health, I hope to contribute insight into how political leadership and media coverage can drive change through scrutiny, storytelling and advocacy.”
Sienna Rodgers
Deputy Editor,
The House Magazine
“It’s a privilege to be joining the panel for the Prevention of Violence Against Women Awards, recognising the vital work being done across policy, campaigns and frontline services.
As a journalist based in Parliament, with a particular interest in women’s justice and health, I hope to contribute insight into how political leadership and media coverage can drive change through scrutiny, storytelling and advocacy.”
Andrew McIntyre
Head of Government Affairs, TSB Bank
“I’m pleased to join this panel as part of TSB’s continued commitment to supporting people affected by domestic abuse. Through initiatives like the TSB Flee Fund and the Safe Spaces available in our branches, we’re focused on providing practical, immediate help for those seeking safety.
These awards are an important opportunity to recognise the organisations and individuals driving real change, and I’m proud to stand alongside them in strengthening protections and support for survivors.”
“I’m pleased to join this panel as part of TSB’s continued commitment to supporting people affected by domestic abuse. Through initiatives like the TSB Flee Fund and the Safe Spaces available in our branches, we’re focused on providing practical, immediate help for those seeking safety.
These awards are an important opportunity to recognise the organisations and individuals driving real change, and I’m proud to stand alongside them in strengthening protections and support for survivors.”
In Partnership with TSB
In Partnership
with TSB
TSB is a trusted retail bank with a 200‑year heritage and a committed workforce providing full‑service banking to over five million customers. We continue to lead on improvements for customers and colleagues, offering all branches as safe spaces and supporting those leaving abusive relationships through our Flee Fund. We also provide enhanced paid leave for colleagues with caring responsibilities and equal parental leave, reflecting our commitment to a supportive and inclusive culture.
TSB is a trusted retail bank with a 200‑year heritage and a committed workforce providing full‑service banking to over five million customers. We continue to lead on improvements for customers and colleagues, offering all branches as safe spaces and supporting those leaving abusive relationships through our Flee Fund.
We also provide enhanced paid leave for colleagues with caring responsibilities and equal parental leave, reflecting our commitment to a supportive and inclusive culture.
FAQs
Award FAQs
How do I enter the awards?
How do I enter the awards?
Entries for the 2026 awards have now closed.
When do the awards entries close?
When do the awards entries close?
Wednesday 15th April 2026.
Wednesday 15th April 2026.
Who organises The VAWG Awards?
Who organises The VAWG Awards?
The Prevention of VAWG Awards is organised by Total Politics, supported by TSB Bank, and the media partner is The House Magazine.
The Prevention of VAWG Awards is organised by Total Politics, supported by TSB Bank, and the media partner is The House Magazine.
When and where will the awards be taking place?
When and where will the awards be taking place?
22 June 2026 | 18:00 - 20:00 | Speaker's House, Palace of Westminster, London.
22 June 2026 | 18:00 - 20:00 | Speaker's House, Palace of Westminster, London.
Is there a cost to enter the awards?
It is free of charge to submit a nomination for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards. If you are successfully shortlisted, there is no entry fee to attend the award ceremony.
Who are the judges?
Who are the judges?
Our Board of Judges will be announced soon, bringing together individuals with cross-party political experience alongside professionals with industry and journalism expertise.
Our Board of Judges will be announced soon, bringing together individuals with cross-party political experience alongside professionals with industry and journalism expertise.
Does the individual and/or organisation need to be in the UK?
Yes. Unfortunately, we cannot accept nominees outside the UK.
Can I nominate myself?
Nominees may be nominated by someone else, or may nominate themselves if they meet the criteria.
When will the winners be announced?
When will the shortlisted and winners be announced?
22 June 2026 | 18:00 - 20:00 | Speaker's House, Palace of Westminster, London.
The shortlisted will be announced at least 30 days before the event.
What is the entry criteria for the Awards?
What is the entry criteria for the Awards?
In selecting the shortlist, the judges will consider:
- Impact, Prevention & Effectiveness: Demonstrates a clear, and positive impact on survivors, or can demonstrate their contribution to preventative work, that reduces harm, risk or future abuse.
- It is useful to include evidence of meaningful change (safety, wellbeing, empowerment, awareness, access to justice/support)
- Commitment, Ethics and Integrity: Can demonstrate exceptional dedication, safeguarding, confidentiality, and professionalism integrity.
- Inclusion & Accessibility: Active efforts to reduce barriers and support diverse and marginalised communities.
- Acting as a visible and effective role model for others, and when working with survivors, can demonstrate a survivor centered approach. This means prioritising the survivors voice, providing dignity, and trauma informed care.
- Leadership, Innovation and Collaboration: Leadership or innovation that strengthens prevention, early intervention, and responses to VAWG, including partnerships to improve outcomes.
- Values Alignment: Demonstrates respect, safety, empowerment, and justice.
In selecting the shortlist, the judges will consider:
- Impact, Prevention & Effectiveness: Demonstrates a clear, and positive impact on survivors, or can demonstrate their contribution to preventative work, that reduces harm, risk or future abuse.
- It is useful to include evidence of meaningful change (safety, wellbeing, empowerment, awareness, access to justice/support)
- Commitment, Ethics and Integrity: Can demonstrate exceptional dedication, safeguarding, confidentiality, and professionalism integrity.
- Inclusion & Accessibility: Active efforts to reduce barriers and support diverse and marginalised communities.
- Acting as a visible and effective role model for others, and when working with survivors, can demonstrate a survivor centered approach. This means prioritising the survivors voice, providing dignity, and trauma informed care.
- Leadership, Innovation and Collaboration: Leadership or innovation that strengthens prevention, early intervention, and responses to VAWG, including partnerships to improve outcomes.
- Values Alignment: Demonstrates respect, safety, empowerment, and justice.