News Survey reveals that 74% of Maidstone residents think online abuse of women is a “very big problem”
New survey findings released by Maidstone Borough Council reveal the scale of concern around violence against women and girls (VAWG) across the borough.
More than 1,250 residents and young people took part in the council’s VAWG surveys, providing one of the most comprehensive local insights into lived experience, perceptions of safety and the growing impact of online abuse. From the 664 adult respondents, a staggering 74% said technological and online abuse is a very big problem whilst 205 residents reported being victims of physical or sexual assault, with 245 experiencing emotional or psychological abuse.
What’s more the survey revealed that 71% of respondents have changed their daily routines to protect their safety and with many voicing their concerns over online influencers which was thought to be the second leading contributing factor to VAWG.
One resident described walking a different route, holding keys between their fingers, and locking their car doors from the inside to feel safer.
Of the 593 young people who filled in the survey only 39% thought online abuse was a very big problem and 29% had changed their behaviour to protect themselves, including using safety apps and carrying whistles. 74% of respondents said they have seen online content suggesting women should have less power than men, while 62% are concerned about being a victim of online violence. Despite this, only 15% believe technological and online abuse is classed as violence against women and girls.
These findings underline the urgent need for education, prevention and cultural change, particularly around online harm, and young people’s understanding of what constitutes violence.
Citizens stepping forward to make a difference
Alongside the survey findings, Maidstone Borough Council is leading groundbreaking citizen deliberation work, giving residents a direct role in shaping the borough’s response to VAWG. The deliberation programme is now fully subscribed, with workshops due to begin soon. Participants will work together to explore the issues, hear expert evidence, and develop recommendations that will directly inform future action.
The overwhelming response demonstrates that people in Maidstone want to make a difference, not just by sharing their experiences, but by actively helping to create safer communities for women and girls.
Collaborative action through the VAWG Action Group
The survey and deliberation work are supported by the council’s VAWG Action Group, which brings together professionals, statutory partners and charities to work collaboratively on prevention, support and intervention. By combining lived experience, professional expertise and community voices, the group is driving a coordinated, long‑term approach to tackling violence against women and girls across the borough.
Maidstone Borough Council remains committed to listening, learning and leading – ensuring that the voices of residents and young people are central to shaping meaningful and lasting change.
Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Safety Councillor David Naghi said: “Keeping people safe is at the heart of our community safety work, and these findings show just how seriously residents and young people in Maidstone view violence against women and girls.
“The level of concern around online abuse and personal safety is deeply troubling, but it is matched by a strong desire from our community to be part of the solution. Our fully subscribed citizen deliberation workshops demonstrate that people want to help shape safer streets, safer public spaces, and safer online environments.
“By working collaboratively through the VAWG Action Group with professionals and charities, we are taking a joined‑up approach to prevention, support and long‑term change.”