Protecting people, not just property
The NRCN Vulnerability Project Delivery Group (PDG) addresses the hidden harms affecting rural communities — including domestic abuse, stalking, sexual violence, mental health challenges, and isolation.
Our Mission
Rural vulnerability is shaped by isolation, limited access to services, and underreported crime. The Vulnerability PDG brings together police, rural domestic abuse experts, partners, and community organisations to develop practical, victim‑focused solutions that strengthen safety and wellbeing in rural areas.
Objectives
Work with government and policymakers to ensure domestic abuse policies are appropriately “rural proofed.”
Raise awareness of unique challenges of domestic abuse, stalking, and violence in rural settings.
Campaign for greater mental wellbeing support for rural communities.
Project Group Leads
Tim Passmore
Chair of the NRCN and Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk
Tim Passmore was elected in November 2012 as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk.
Tim has previous experience of working in Suffolk’s tourist economy which is currently worth over £1.7 billion per year. Tim was a Mid Suffolk councillor and prior to taking on the role of the PCC, he was Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council.
Tim is the Deputy Lead of the APCC Portfolio Group on Public Engagement & Community Confidence, as well as the Chair of the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN).
Judith Vickress
Chair of Rural Initiatives to Tackle Abuse (RITA)
Originally from rural Herefordshire, Judith works directly with rural survivors and seen the unique barriers they face — from isolation to limited services. I am committed to closing the gap between support available in rural and urban communities.
Previously Judith worked as a Senior Housing Manager at Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse. Judith completed a Churchill Fellowship focuses on domestic abuse in rural communities, the coordinated community response (CCR), and improving perpetrator accountability.
Get Involved
We welcome international law enforcement bodies, NGOs, and academic institutions seeking shared learning and collaboration.