Labour MP Jess Asato has been appointed as a specialist adviser on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) to the Department of Health and Social Care, a move prompted by fears the government will miss its key target of halving such violence within ten years.
Steering a Major NHS Overhaul
In her new role, Jess Asato will be responsible for guiding a significant transformation of the National Health Service's response to violence against women and girls. Her focus will be on three core areas: reforming institutional culture, improving the early identification of victims, and ensuring support services are integrated into local neighbourhood health provisions.
The appointment, confirmed on Tuesday 2 December 2025, comes against a backdrop of mounting pressure. Charities have issued stark warnings about the state of specialist support. The organisation Refuge recently lambasted the latest government Budget as a “profound disappointment” for survivors.
A £307 Million Funding Shortfall
Refuge highlighted a critical £307 million shortfall in funding for specialist domestic abuse services. This financial gap is so severe that some vital services are reportedly being forced to close their doors, leaving vulnerable women and girls without essential support.
In response to her appointment, Ms Asato framed the issue in stark terms, declaring VAWG a “public health emergency.” She emphasised that strengthening the healthcare system's response is not just an add-on but a fundamental part of creating safer communities across the country.
A Core Part of the Solution
“Strengthening healthcare systems is a core part of the solution to making communities safer,” Ms Asato stated. Her work will aim to ensure the NHS becomes a more proactive and effective first line of defence and support for those experiencing gender-based violence, from domestic abuse to sexual assault.
The government's decision to draft in a dedicated adviser underscores the scale of the challenge it faces in meeting its own decade-long target. The success of this NHS overhaul, led by Asato, will now be closely watched by campaigners and survivors alike.
