She said: “As the Government rightly states, this is a national emergency – and it requires a commensurate response. The government’s new VAWG Strategy is welcome in its wide-ranging nature, containing a raft of announcements spanning justice, education, health, and beyond.

“As incoming Victims’ Commissioner, my focus is on practical measures that deliver real change, ensuring victims can access the justice and support they need. While many individual initiatives are welcome, it remains to be seen whether the overall Strategy provides the scale, pace, and leadership required to match the Government’s ambition – and truly tackle this emergency.

“In terms of specific measures, the national rollout of the Child House model – pioneered by Lighthouse in London – is a welcome step I have long called for. It marks vital progress towards delivering on the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. I also welcome initiatives such as the expansion of Operation Soteria to reduce the re-traumatisation too many victims experience in the trial process. Long after my 2019 Rape Review, ‘end-to-end’ reform of the justice system for serious sexual offences is finally in sight – but only if the Government now delivers on its commitment to Independent Legal Advice for rape survivors, and tackles the long waits for justice.”

On average, every day, 200 rapes are recorded by the police – and more go unreported.

Dedicated rape and sexual offence specialist investigators, which will be deployed in every police force in England and Wales, will replace an outdated system, where officers often did not have the specialist knowledge to investigate rapists and sex offenders, leaving predators to walk the streets.

The Home Secretary has instructed all police forces to bring in these dedicated specialist teams to better support victims and relentlessly pursue perpetrators.

Ms Waxman said: “Ultimately, the success of this Strategy hinges on whether delivery partners are equipped to succeed. Early indications around funding are deeply concerning. The Strategy introduces welcome measures in schools and the NHS which will, by design, drive up disclosures and referrals to police and victim services. Yet frontline services are already overstretched and struggling to meet need, and the criminal justice system remains in crisis.

“Funding is critical. Driving up demand without increasing capacity puts victims at risk and threatens to destabilise the very partners the Strategy relies upon. This concern is heightened by the lack of meaningful consultation. Victim services are not an optional extra to this Strategy – they must be the backbone of it.

“Without clear, sustainable investment and cross-government leadership, I am concerned we run the risk of the Strategy amounting to less than the sum of its parts; a wish-list of tactical measures rather than a bold, unifying strategic framework.

“The Sentencing Bill underlines this lack of cohesion. Victims need confidence that the system will protect them, yet under the proposals in the Bill, the reality is that many abusers will avoid prison entirely or benefit from early release – undermining the very safety this Strategy seeks to guarantee.”

She added: “A commitment to halve violence against women and girls is not just a political pledge; it is a moral imperative grounded in the scale of harm being inflicted every day on women and children across the country. Such a national mission demands leadership from the very top. Number 10 must play a central role in driving this agenda – and ensuring it is funded appropriately.

“Delivery is now key. My office will be scrutinising the implementation closely – including the data underpinning these commitments – and I am committed to working with the government to ensure the Strategy translates into real-world change, where women and girls feel safe, supported, and protected.”