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Lambeth Safer Communities event celebrates International Women’s Day
For International Women’s Day this year, Lambeth’s Safer Communities team hosted a celebratory community event at Evolve Conference Centre in Stockwell.
Violence Against Women and Girls continues to be both a cause and consequence of gender inequality globally. In recognition of this, the event reflected the UN women theme for International Women’s Day 2024 ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ to showcase local and national organizations working to end Violence Against Women and Girls and promote women’s rights.
Over 80 stakeholders from across Lambeth including residents and agencies supporting women locally joined to network, share ideas, and hear form inspirational speakers.
A diverse range of stall holders shared goody-bags, resources and information with attendees. Stall holders included members of Lambeth’s newly formed Gender-Based Violence Expert by Experience panel who are setting up a Survivor Forum to engage with survivors across the borough.
The event also heard from three passionate speakers who shared insightful presentations about the vital work or their organizations for women affected by Gender-Based Violence. Sonu Masania form Surviving Economic Abuse highlighted the impact of economic abuse and the support available. Kristin Thue, from the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse spoke to the crucial role of employers in disrupting abuse and supporting survivors. Abbey Darling from the Prison Radio Association shared moving audio clips from women in prison and reflected on the ways that radio can raise awareness, aid recovery and bring joy for women. The event was closed with a performance from Starlight, an inspiring spoken word poet.
Thank you to everyone who was involved in making the event a success, including Luminary Bakery – a social enterprise supporting disadvantaged women – and Dough Bakehouse who made delicious cakes as well as Brixton Radio who provided audio equipment.
Lambeth Council’s Safer Communities team coordinates efforts to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls across the borough - including commissioning the Gaia Centre which provides specialist support to residents affected by Gender-Based Violence. We are committed to working with our partners to ensure that Lambeth is a borough where everyone is safe. To find out more read our Lambeth Made Safer Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2021-27. For advice and support visit our VAWG Webpages.
Women and Girls Night-Time Safety Walk to inform Low Traffic Neighbourhood Design
In January 2024 Lambeth Council held a Women and Girls Night-Time Safety walk with local residents around two new proposed Low Traffic Neighbourhood areas. The purpose of the walk was to hear ideas from women about how women’s safety can be reflected in design of these potential new healthy streets schemes.
We know that women and girls use public space differently from men and boys, and experience higher levels of fear about their safety on the streets after dark.
The Council’s Violence Against Women and Girls team collaborated with Community Street Design Officers to promote and deliver the event, the first of its kind in the borough. Members of the community, including residents and practitioners from local women’s services joined the event to share their views.
Participants shared feedback about their experiences of using public spaces in Lambeth after dark, including of walking through the Stockwell and Slade Garden areas. Various themes arose in the discussion including the importance of lighting, clear lines of sight, clean streets, and the impact of air pollution.
The comments shared will support the Council with the design and development of future schemes.
We will seek to hold similar engagement events in future to ensure that the views of women and girls are reflected in the design of healthy streets initiatives.
Residents and visitors to Lambeth are invited to report areas they feel safe and unsafe in the borough, and make suggestions for what could be improved, via our Commonplace Safer Streets Survey.
To find out more about our work to make Lambeth a borough where everyone is safe, read our Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2021-27 or visit our VAWG webpages.
Lambeth Council hosts #ChangeTheStory Event to mark White Ribbon Day
Lambeth Council’s Safer Communities Team hosted a successful conference event at Lambeth Town Hall to mark White Ribbon Day.
White Ribbon Day is a global event held every year in November to raise awareness and promote efforts to eradicate Violence Against Women and Girls. This years theme was #ChangeTheStory, with a focus on how we can work together to shift culture so that women can live lives free from violence.
Over 150 residents and practitioners from the local community joined to hear engaging contributions from a diverse range of speakers, artists and performers.
The event was opened by Leader of the Council Cllr Claire Holland and Cabinet member for Safer Communities, Cllr Dr Mahamed Hashi, introducing a packed agenda exploring ways that we can work together to ‘Change The Story’ – with a particular focus on the role of men and boys in promoting change.
Young people from Young Creators UK spoke about the development of Lambeth’s new ‘It’s Not That Deep’ anti-harassment campaign, including sharing an original song from the project.
We then heard from practitioners delivering programmes to support perpetrators of abuse to change their behaviour and support survivors to heal following abuse. A diverse range of local agencies were also able to promote their services via stalls at the event.
The afternoon was live illustrated and local artists who have collaborated with young people in Lambeth to develop thought-provoking content around VAWG were able to display their work.
To end the day, an interactive theatre performance from Black Men’s Consortium enabled audience members to intervene in depictions of violence against women and girls to ‘change the story’.
The event was a great success and we received positive feedback from attendees who shared that they enjoyed the engaging, empowering and creative approaches used throughout.
Specialist VAWG staff conduct joint patrols to keep women safe this winter
As part of the 16 Days of Action against Gender-Based Violencespecialist Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) staff from Lambeth Council have joined up with partners to promote women’s safety on our streets.
Operation Vigilant
Our Violence Against Women and Girls and Antisocial Behaviour wardens have joined forces with local police to target predatory offenders in our night-time economy. A team made up of uniformed and plain clothes officers, alongside our warden staff, conducted a joint patrol of the Clapham High Street area across a busy weekend period.
The team engaged with local venues and used expert tactics to identify and disrupt predatory offending behaviour in public spaces. The team were able to conduct multiple stops, including of males who had been approaching women in the street.
Women have the right to go out without facing sexual harassment and violence. Our warden team are pleased to have been able to participate in this important work to disrupt violence against women in our public spaces.
Tackling Sexual Exploitation
Earlier this VAWG officers from Lambeth’s Safer Communities team patrolled the Brixton area alongside police and agencies working to support rough sleepers. The team identified and engaged with vulnerable women at risk of sexual exploitation, exploring options to promote their safety and wellbeing.
The team will now follow up to ensure that appropriate support is offered from specialist agencies. For example, via our Sexual Exploitation and Harm panel which created safety and support plans for victims and survivors, as well as holding perpetrators to account.
We are committed to working with our partners to ensure that Lambeth is a borough where everyone is safe. You can read more about our work in our Lambeth Made Safer Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2021-27or via our VAWG Webpages
Violence Against Women and Girls Wardens offer support to our most vulnerable residents
Earlier this year, Lambeth’s public protection service established a dedicated Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) warden team. The team conducts regular high-visibility and reassurance patrols across the borough in response to data from our Commonplace site as well as intelligence from police and other partner agencies.
Our wardens are proactive in engaging with a diverse range of businesses, residents and visitors with a focus on our busy town centre areas. Wardens use their skills and training to spot the signs of vulnerability and engage with those who may need support.
In recent weeks the team has offered assistance to women facing a range of challenges including homelessness, mental ill-health, substance abuse and domestic abuse. Wardens work sensitively to approach and engage with those in need, offering support and guidance. This includes sharing information about confidential local support services such as the Gaia Centre. Where needed, the team liaise with police to share information and to help safeguard people at risk of abuse.
As well as supporting residents affected by Violence Against Women and Girls, the team work closely with our CCTV control room to identify and tackle antisocial behaviour. Wardens have received praise from local residents and businesses who have seen the difference that their presence and engagement have made.
As we enter the colder winter months, the team will continue to respond to those in need, working in partnership to safeguard our most vulnerable residents.
Lambeth successfully delivers Safer Streets Programme addressing women’s safety in public spaces
In September 2023, we successfully completed the delivery of our Home Office Safer Streets Round Four programme. The programme involved working alongside Southwark Council to roll out a series of practical interventions aimed at increasing safety and feelings of safety for women and girls. Informed by crime data mapping, we focused on improving safety and partnership working along the borders between our two boroughs in relation to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in public spaces.
Over the past 12 months we have collaborated with partners in the police, business community and voluntary sector to deliver a variety of interventions:
Specialist Community Wardens
We recruited and trained a new team of dedicated VAWG and Antisocial Behaviour Wardens. The team undertake regular reassurance and high-visibility patrols across the borough, using data from our Commonplace Safer Streets Survey to target hotpot areas. Wardens are active within the night-time economy, engaging with licensed premises and attending key events throughout the calendar year to help keep women and girls safe. In the coming weeks the team will be undertaking joint ‘Operation Vigilant’ patrols – targeting predatory VAWG offenders – alongside local police.
Additional CCTV Capacity
A dedicated VAWG operative continues to staff our CCTV control room during peak hours, increasing our capacity to identify and disrupt VAWG offending. Additional re-deployable CCTV cameras have been installed across our target areas and we have the option to move these in line with emerging needs. The CCTV Control Room has also been upgraded, enabling the team to view and share data more efficiently. Safer Streets funding has helped us to strengthen our relationships with police and businesses to improve our response across a range of VAWG offences.
In partnership with local Business Improvement Districts we offered specialist VAWG training to over 90 security professionals working in hotspot areas. The training, designed and delivered by our partners Good Night Out Campaign, upskilled professionals to respond safely and appropriately to street-based harassment and Violence Against Women and Girls. Security staff reported an increase in knowledge, skills and confidence after attending the training with one participant sharing that ‘it takes all of us to work together to create a safer space for everyone’.
Safe Havens
Lambeth and Southwark Councils have recruited 40 Safe Havens at premises in known harassment hotspots where women and other vulnerable people can access safety and support when in need at night-time. Staff within the Safe Haven offer support to anyone who feels unsafe or has been harassed, including helping organise safe transport home or calling family, friends or the police. The premises display the Safe Haven Logo in their window and assistance will be available within.
We launched the Safe Havens scheme in September, attracting broadcast coverage from BBC London News and BBC Radio London. Our diverse Safe Havens network includes libraries, hotels, restaurants and offices, where staff have received training with crime reduction agency Safer Business Network. The scheme continues to recruit sites and is now being rolled out across London via the Women’s Night Safety Charter.
‘Look Out for Lambeth’ Campaign
Finally, in November 2022 we re-launched our ‘Look out for Lambeth’ anti-harassment campaign. Adverts targeting men and boys focused on changing behaviours and attitudes to women, making it clear who is responsible to address the issue. Adverts encouraged women to report on street harassment and other forms of violence against women and girls via our Commonplace survey and as a result we saw an additional 11,625 visitors to the site. Visit lambethsaferstreets.commonplace.
We are now using the learning from this campaign to develop a new anti-VAWG campaign made by and for young people to be launched in November 2023.
Whilst Home Office funding for this programme has come to an end, we continue to support various initiatives across the borough to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls. This Safer Streets work builds on the commitments set out in our third Violence Against Women and Girls strategy, which was published in 2021 and sets out how the council will work with partners on the issue until 2027. You can find out more about our strategy here.
Have Your Say - Oxford Alochol Disorder PSPO
Oxford City Council are consulting on whether to vary, extend or remove a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the city that tackles alcohol-related disorder. The PSPO is up for renewal in November 2023 and we would like to hear your views on the subject and answer some questions on your experiences of the issue.
To share your views please click on the link below to leave your feedback. Your comments and suggestions will be analysed and shared with Oxford City councillors to help inform discussions and decisions around extending the current PSPO in November.
Have Your Say - Oxford Alcohol Disorder PSPO
Further Information
Public Spaces Protection Orders are one of a number of powers introduced by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. They are designed to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in an area which is having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the community.
There is a currently an Alcohol Disorder PSPO (set for renewal in November 2023) covering certain parts of Oxford. The Order creates an offence for any person to refuse to stop drinking alcohol or hand over any containers which are believed to contain alcohol, when required to do so by a police officer or authorised officer in order to prevent public nuisance or disorder. Failure to adhere to the requirement can lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecution in the Magistrates Court. A copy of the current Alcohol PSPO is available on the Oxford City Council website. Click here for more information.
London councils team up for new domestic abuse project
Lambeth is leading on this project, working in partnership with specialist providers Richmond Fellowship (DVIP), Refuge, Cambridge Centre for Evidence-Based Policing, and London boroughs of Lewisham, Southwark, Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth. The coordinated response across South London has been the focus on recent news articles including a published article on BBC News.
Cllr Hashi, said: “This type of London wide collaboration, alongside leading national projects and partners, is essential and demonstrates our commitment to make a real improvement to the safety of women and girls.”
Through Prevent and Change we will work one to one with perpetrators in the community, particularly those with multiple need. Project delivery began in June, with the service bringing together local partnerships to manage high-risk individuals referred in.
Across the next two years the council will enhance its understanding of harmful behaviours within diverse and marginalised groups to offer community-informed responses by the partnership. This work addresses a priority aim of the Lambeth’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy 2021-2027 by developing and commission evidence-based perpetrator intervention. This will also support the commitments and ambition of the Borough Planand support to make Lambeth one of the safest boroughs.
LLDC Women and Girls’ Safety Charter
In 2021, you provided feedback as part of LLDC’s consultation on the safety of women and girls on and around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (the Legacy Corporation area).
These comments were carefully analysed by an independent external agency called Arup, which published its consultation report in May 2022.
As we reported to you then, your comments allowed us to help understand the experience of those who use the Park, identify any particular areas of concern and allow us to make necessary interventions that would improve the equality of space for women and girls - creating a safer and more inclusive environment for people of all ages and needs.
Since the publication of the consultation report we have been working hard internally, and in collaboration with our stakeholders, to consider and action the recommendations made.
Today, we wanted to update you on some of the works in train.
On Wednesday, organisations across Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park came together to launch a Women and Girls’ Safety Charter, enshrining their pledge to promote and protect the safety of women on the Park and across the wider LLDC area.
Signatories to the charter include the London Boroughs of Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest; London Stadium; GLL; Lee Valley Regional Park Authority; East Village; Here East; Canal and River Trust; Get Living; the Metropolitan Police and Westfield.
These organisations agree to:
• Demonstrate to staff and customers that their organisation takes women’s safety seriously.
• Nominate a champion in their organisation who actively promotes women and girls’ safety.
• Respond constructively to consultation undertaken by LLDC and locally.
• Design, plan and build public realm with Women’s Safety at the forefront.
• Actively manage public spaces with Women’s Safety in mind.
• Reassure customers and staff that so far as we know their area is safe, and ensure they know what to do if they experience harassment when working, going out or travelling.
• Encourage reporting by victims and bystanders in their communications.
• Train staff to ensure that all women who report concerns are believed and all reports are recorded and actioned.
• Train staff on how to respond and, if necessary, intervene if women report feeling unsafe.
You can read more about the event and the charter here.
In other news, as local planning authority, we are developing the UK’s first Gender Inclusive Urban Design Guidance, with a consultation to be launched shortly. The aim is that this will offer urban professionals some practical guidance on how development schemes and urban interventions can support a gender inclusive urban environment through design and management. Ultimately, we hope this guidance can act as a benchmark for wider London-based urban professionals who can use it throughout the project lifecycle to ensure their decision-making, design, and delivery of development, infrastructure, and placemaking proposals explicitly consider the needs of women, girls and gender diverse people.
These are just two of the actions we are taking to protect and improve the safety of women and girls in our area, and we look forward to updating you as this work continues.
In future, we will be sharing updates on our women’s safety work via a dedicated mail-out. If you’d like to receive these communications, please sign up here.
Lambeth: New law to ensure safe access to abortion clinics welcomed
Lambeth Council’s efforts to ensure women can exercise their legal right to access abortion services without encountering anti-abortion protestors have taken a big step forward following the passage through parliament of new laws that will allow the introduction of ‘buffer zones’ around abortion clinics in the borough.
Lambeth encourages residents, visitors, and service users to continue to report any incidents at the two clinics on its website at www.lambeth.gov.uk/abortion-clinic-incident– and works with the Police, MSI Reproductive Choices and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service to analyse the impacts and to design the right response.
Cllr Jim Dickson, Lambeth’s joint Cabinet Member Healthier Communities, said: “We have worked alongside British Pregnancy Advisory Service for some time on their campaign to ensure safe access zones around abortion clinics and we’re delighted that they have finally been voted into law. We hope that this means that in future women will be able to access the reproductive health services that are their right free from harassment.
“We are committed to implementing the legislation to create buffer zones at the earliest moment.”
Following a vote in Parliament on March 7 buffer zones are set to become law, with anti-abortion campaigners having to stand at least 150 meters away from clinics providing abortions or risk a fine and up to six months in prison if they’re found harassing, obstructing, or interfering with any woman attending. These new zones apply to every clinic and hospital providing abortion care in England and Wales.
International Women's Day: Safer Streets Update
Today is International Women’s Day – a global day to mark the celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The theme for this year’s IWD is ‘embrace equity’. Equity is vital to create inclusive public spaces where women and girls are safe and free of the fear of violence and intimidation.
To mark the occasion, we wanted to update you on the progress of our Home Office funded Safer Streets work. In partnership with Southwark Council, we have rolled out a series of practical interventions to increase safety and feelings of safety for women and girls. Informed by crime data mapping, we have focused on improving safety and partnership working along the borders between our two boroughs in relation to violence against women and girls incidents.
Specialist Community Wardens
Lambeth’s public protection team has received specialist violence against women and girls (VAWG) training and we have recruited a new team of dedicated VAWG and Antisocial Behaviour Wardens. This team will continue to use data from our Commonplace Safer Streets Survey to inform their activities, as well as mobilising around the night-time economy and key events across the borough throughout the calendar year.
CCTV
Our CCTV control room has been staffed with dedicated violence against women and girls operatives, ensuring our work in this area is prioritised. We continue to work closely with the police, assisting in the response to a range of VAWG offences. Additional CCTV cameras have also been deployed across our target areas.
Specialist VAWG Training for Security Staff
In partnership with local Business Improvement Districts, we are offering specialist VAWG training to a range of security professionals. The training, designed and delivered by our partners Good Night Out Campaign, upskills professionals to respond safely and appropriately to street-based harassment and violence against women and girls.
Safe Havens
Lambeth and Southwrak Councils have committed to establishing 40 Safe Havens at businesses/premises in known harassment hotspots where women and other vulnerable people can access safety and support when in need at night-time. We have now recruited our first Safe Haven sites and staff are undergoing bespoke training with Safer Business Network, a crime reduction agency.
Staff within the Safe Haven will offer support to anyone who feels unsafe or has been harassed, including helping organise safe transport home or calling family, friends or the police. The premises will display the Safe Haven Logo in their window and assistance will be available within.
Look out for Lambeth Campaign
Finally, in November 2022 we re-launched our ‘Look out for Lambeth’ anti-harassment campaign. Adverts targeting men and boys focus on changing behaviours and attitudes to women, making it clear who is responsible to address the issue. Adverts also encourage women to report on street harassment and other forms of violence against women and girls via our Commonplace site. Visit lambethsaferstreets.commonplace.
Our Safer Streets work builds on the commitments set out in our third violence against women and girls strategy, which was published in 2021 and sets out how the council will work with partners on the issue until 2027. You can find out more about our strategy here.
StreetSafe Service: anonymously tell police about safety and antisocial behaviour issues in London
Our Safer Streets Commonplace survey helps Lambeth Council to understand the safety issues impacting upon women residents and visitors to the borough. We use the information you provide to help us identify areas that may not feel very safe as well as any improvements that are needed - such as additional patrols from our public protection team, better street lighting, or more CCTV cameras. Your feedback helps us to prioritise what actions to take and also informs our discussion with our partners, including the police.
We wanted to let you know that the Police have also established a service for members of the public to share concerns directly with them.If you would like to share broader concerns around safety and antisocial behaviour anywhere in the UK with the police then you can visit the Street Safe website.
“StreetSafe is a service for anyone to anonymously tell us about public places where you have felt or feel unsafe, because of environmental issues, eg street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism and/or because of some behaviours, eg being followed or verbally abused.
Please note: 'StreetSafe' is not for reporting crime or incidents.
If something has happened to you or someone you know (including in public spaces online) you can call us on 101 or find out what online reporting services are available.
If you're unsure whether something is a crime or not, read our advice.“
Marston Cycle Route and Barracks Lane
Oxford Women’s Safety page have received a high number of responses linked to Marston Cycle Path (35) and Barracks Lane (13).
• The majority of the feedback for Marston Cycle route stated that a lack of lighting made it unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians using the path during hours of darkness. All respondents stated they would avoid using the pathway during hours of darkness due to concern for their safety. All respondents suggested that the installation of appropriate street lighting along the route would help improve the feeling of safety and increase active use.
• The majority of respondents for Barracks Lane stated that they felt unsafe when using the pathway. Respondents provided a number of different reasons for this including a lack of lighting and a rise in anti-social behaviour linked to mopeds riding along the path.
The concerns raised and suggestions provide on how to improve both routes have been forwarded to Oxfordshire County Council’s Active Travel Team for consideration and review. For more information on Active Travel please visit the link below.
Oxfordshire County Council Active Travel
Please continue to share this consultation with anyone you think may be interested or leave another comment on the platform. Residents can have their say via the Oxford City Council’s engagement site - Oxford Women's Safety. Users an pin their feedback to the locaiton, to help the council and its partners understand what local residents are saying and understand any safety concerns about the area.
Oxford Safe Places Scheme
Safe Places is an accessible network, where those feeling intimidated, scared or at risk can seek help and refuge from a registered business in the city. Whether it’s just to have a conversation, to call a friend, ask someone to call a cab, or even to dial 999 – these are places where a friendly face is guaranteed, and support will always be provided. A range of businesses operating during the Night-time economy have signed up including The Randolph Hotel, Malmaison, Westgate, Pegasus Theatre and Royal Oxford.
Safe Places organisations can be identified through the Safe Places logo on their windows or through the Safe Places App. The Safe Place app highlights on a map all nearby registered Safe Places in Oxford. The apps function called 'Get me to my nearest Safe Place Now' (Panic button) immediately directs you to the nearest open Safe Place. If no Safe Place is located within a 15-minute walk it will automatically offer to call the non-emergency 101 number to get help over the phone.
Safe Places is an important part of the Nightsafe Oxford Network to ensure those in need can access a safe space during a night out. We are looking to further expand the Safe Places network throughout the City.
Visit the Safe Places website for more information.
Take our survey and make a difference
The safety of women and girls in public spaces is one of Oxford's priorities. We are inviting everyone who lives, works, studies, or socialises in Oxford to tell us where and why you are feeling safe or unsafe.
This map is a starting point on making our city safe and enjoyable for all. The more people that get involved, the better we can reflect the needs of the whole community and make the city of Oxford safe for everyone.
Please share your concerns and offer suggestions…and ask your friends and family to do so as well.
Click on the 'Have your say' button on the map to share your thoughts.
Please note that this website is not monitored daily and is not for the purpose of reporting crime. To report a crime please contact the Police on 999 (emergency), or 101 (non-emergency), or visit their website
South London: Keeping women safe from harassment and tackling offending
Lambeth and Southwark Councils are set to establish 40 safe havens at businesses in known harassment hotspots where women and other vulnerable people can access safety and support when in need at night-time. Licensed premises and other businesses in both boroughs will undergo bespoke training with the Safer Business Partnership, a crime reduction agency.
Staff will offer support to anyone who feels unsafe or has been harassed, including helping organise safe transport home or calling family, friends or the police. A Safe Haven sign in their window tells people where they can get assistance.
The new safe havens network is part of Lambeth and Southwark’s partnership work to tackle violence against women and girls in all forms. This will initially focus on areas along the borough boundaries including London’s South Bank, Loughborough Junction, Denmark Hill and Camberwell, which were chosen after analysing crime data.
Both boroughs now have Community Wardens who are specially trained to spot potential violence and harassment on the boroughs’ streets. CCTV operators have also had specialist training so they can direct action on the ground.
A website has been set up in Lambeth for people to share where they feel unsafe in a bid to drive up reporting of concerns and reveal the true scale of this under-reported criminal offending. Visit lambethsaferstreets.commonplace.
The new scheme is being launched on November 25 which is the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women after which 16 days of activism follow. Lambeth Town Hall in Brixton and Southwark Council’s buildings at Tooley Street and Queen’s Road Peckham will be lit up in orange on November 25 to back this year’s UN campaign called ‘UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls’.
To mark the day Lambeth Council has also secured White Ribbon Accreditation which recognises organisations taking a strategic approach to ending male violence against women by engaging with men and boys, changing cultures and raising awareness.
Cllr Mahamed Hashi, Lambeth Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “It is completely unacceptable for women to feel unsafe in their own homes or on the streets of our borough, and we have worked hard over many years to tackle the scourge of violence and women and girls.
“But we are always striving to do more, taking concrete steps to raise awareness of this crime, to support the women and girls affected by it and to prevent it.
“We are working to let perpetrators know harassing women in the street is totally unacceptable and putting the responsibility on offenders, as well as setting up new ways for people to report these crimes. This is alongside measures to tackle incidents as they happen.
“Both these approaches are essential and build on the long-term commitment we have to protect services tackling violence against women and girls from budget cuts and to prioritise this work.”
Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle MBE, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said “Women and girls should be able to walk around our boroughs without fear or intimidation. Perpetrators and bad behaviour are not bound by borders, so working together to make our streets safer across both boroughs is crucial.
“Our practical interventions to increase feelings of safety, like our new Safe Haven businesses, must go hand in hand with a major cultural shift. We must tackle the toxic attitudes that underpin male violence against women and girls. That’s why our new campaign in Southwark speaks directly to men and boys.
“Crucially we are getting to the root of the issue in Southwark, as well as training our street-based staff so they know how best to respond to ensure women’s safety.”
In March this year Lambeth Council launched “Look out for Lambeth” positive action campaign against violence against women and girls that targeted men and boys and focused on changing behaviours and attitudes to women – making it clear who is responsible to addressing the issue. It featured local men of various ages with clear messages to reinforce who is responsible and who must change.
The campaign will re-launch on November 25 with adverts encouraging women to report on street harassment and other forms of violence against women and girls. It will also build on the last wave of the campaign to highlight unacceptable male behaviour.
On the same day, Southwark Council is launching their positive action campaign where men and boys will see sexual harassment ‘through a girl’s eyes’. ‘Everyday’ sexist behaviour sits on a sliding scale of harm where, if not called out, can escalate into violence against women and girls.
Through film and posters, men and boys will be asked to make it right by challenging their own attitudes and behaviour, and that of others. Visit southwark.gov.uk/through-her-eyes
Lambeth and Southwark drew up a joint bid to the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund for their joint work. Crime data mapping showed a clear need to improve safety and partnership along the borders between the two boroughs, particularly in relation to violence against women and girls incidents.
The work is underpinned by Lambeth Council’s current strategy for tackling Violence Against Women and Girls which was adopted in 2021 and sets out how the council works with its partners on the issue over the next five years.
It the council’s third strategy and builds on a decade of work to establish effective services, partnerships and processes that support victims and survivors and their children, and hold perpetrators to account.
Lambeth council funds the largest number of refuge centre beds in London with 52. There is also specialist community-based support for survivors of VAWG and a specific service for those affected by female genital mutilation.
Free Online Bystander Training
There has been a high demand for Bystander Training from both organisations and the general public.
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust are offering free online bystander training throughout November and December 2022. This programme drives awareness of harassment, upskilling and empowering individuals across various settings to help defuse situations, discourage harassers, and support victims. If you would like to book on to a session please visit the link below:
https://www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/Events/Category/events
Oxford City Council and Thames Valley Police have been busy prioritising and delivering bystander against sexual harassment training to organisations operating in the night-time economy including Oxford City Angels, Oxford Street Pastors, Door Staff and Venue Staff. This network of trained Bystanders will help in preventing or intervening when an act of sexual harassment has the potential to occur.
To find out about all the measures we have put in place to prevent violence against women on a night out please visit the Nightsafe Oxford website https://www.oxfordcitycrimepartnership.co.uk/nightsafe-oxford/
Consultation Report
Last year you provided feedback as part of LLDC’s consultation on the safety of women and girls on and around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (the Legacy Corporation area).
Following this, your comments have been carefully analysed by an independent external agency called Arup.
Arup’s consultation analysis identified a number of key themes for why a respondent reported feeling unsafe in a specific area. These centred around lighting provision; intimidation, harassment and groups of men; anti-social behaviour and crime; feelings of isolation and fear; and management, up-keep and litter.
We’re pleased to share that this report has been published and can be found here .
A series of recommendations have been made to address these concerns and the LLDC project team are working in collaboration with Arup to map out the next steps for delivering the required interventions.
Some of these recommendations will take longer to deliver, while some can be actioned in the short-term or are already being acted upon through the work of LLDC and its partners. There are also a number of recommendations that fall outside of LLDC’s remit and where this is the case, we have committed to working in partnership with relevant authorities to communicate these and encourage action to be taken.
This report is a crucial milestone in LLDC’s work to improve the safety of women and girls. Improving the experience of women and girls is beneficial for everyone living, working or visiting the Legacy Corporation area and that is why it is so important we now spend time mapping out how and when required interventions can be delivered - and by who – so that we can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
To be kept informed as this work progresses, please sign up HERE
WALK AND TALK
Lambeth Public Protection would like to bring your attention to the Metropolitan Police Walk and Talk initiative.
The Walk and Talk initiative involves local female police officers buddying up with women from their communities to go out on patrol in open spaces so that the officers can hear first-hand your experiences, concerns and reflections. The aim of the walkabout is to start a conversation between women and officers about their safety concerns and what police can do working with partners, to address them.
These are women only 18 years old plus events, for more information please see; https://news.met.police.uk/news/met-launches-walk-and-talk-across-london-as-it-continues-its-work-to-tackle-violence-against-women-and-girls-443054
To book your own Walk and Talk experience please use the link below and click on Lambeth in the list. https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/campaigns/2022/walk-and-talks/
Or book direct using Eventbright; Walk & Talk with Your Local Police Officer - Lambeth Tickets, Lambeth | Eventbrite
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT and INFORMATION
Lambeth Council is committed to tackling violence against women and girls, and details of our support information in regard to all forms of gender-based violence is available at lambeth.gov.uk/vawg
The Gaia Centre provides confidential, non-judgmental and independent support services for those living in Lambeth who are experiencing gender-based violence.
Call the Gaia Centre on 020 7733 8724 or email lambethvawg@refuge.org.uk
PARTNERSHIP PATROLS
Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a serious priority for the Lambeth Public Protection Team, we have been working in partnership with our local Police Ward Safer Neighbourhood Teams in carrying out VAWG specific, high visibility, reassurance and assessment patrols throughout the borough.
In the last ten weeks we have conducted approximately 2 patrols per week focusing on the issues relating to violence against women and girls in hot spot areas considered as priority due to reported incidents.
The information provided on this site will assist us in continuing to develop these patrols and ensure we are targeting the correct areas in the borough with the relevant resources.
Please remember that this is a survey site and should not be used for reporting incidents, please see the information below to report VAWG related incidents.
If it feel like the situation could get heated or violent very soon, or if someone in immediate danger, or you need support right away, please call 999.
To report incidents of violence against women or girls please use the link below to Public Protections ASB webform, all information will be treated in the strictest confidence and only shared with relevant government agencies and 3rd party agencies to ensure appropriate support.
Please also report VAWG related incidents online with the police as below, these reports will be directed to the appropriate local policing teams.
https://www.met.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
Or use the non-emergency number 101 for situations that do not require an immediate police response.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION REQUIRED WHEN REPORTING VAWG INCIDENTS EITHER BY PHONE OR ONLINE
There is some information we will require to successfully investigate any Violence Against Women or Girls incident report, this information is extremely important for us to be able to evidence the incident as required by the law and take any possible action.
Who – a description of the individual/s involved, the better the description the more likely they will be identified.
What – a detailed description of what you witnessed.
When – accurate details of the date, and the time you witnessed the incident.
Where – accurate details of where you were and where you witnessed the incident.
Why – a brief description of why the incident you witnessed caused you harassment, alarm or distress.
Your details - We understand that reporting incidents of violence against women or girls can be worrying, however you will need to be contacted in the first instance for an investigation to be opened, for the details of the report to be confirmed and to possibly assist with any further investigation.
Students lead campaign to help keep women and girls safe
Local students are leading a hard-hitting poster campaign to challenge street harassment and help keep women and girls safe on and around Greater Manchester’s public transport network.
A poster designed by a student at Oldham College features on five tram stops in the town, including Freehold, Westwood, Oldham King Street, Oldham Central and Oldham Mumps. The poster challenges inappropriate behaviour, which can include cat calling, staring and looks, or getting too close, and how these behaviours make women and girls feel unsafe when out and about. The campaign also encourages people to report sexual harassment and anti-social behaviour via GMP’s Livechat function.
The campaign is part of Greater Manchester’s Safer Streets initiative, a half a million-pound investment in a series of schemes aimed at helping women and girls feel safer when out and about in Greater Manchester.
A QR code on the poster takes people to saferstreetsgm.com to find out more about the project. The public can also share their experiences of using public spaces in Greater Manchester and have their say on how to improve safety in those areas.
23 students submitted designs which were judged by a panel made up of representatives from Oldham College, TfGM and Oldham Safeguarding Children Partnership.
Student Sinmi Alli-Balogun’s concept was the winning design and features a pointing hand with the words ‘No Is No’. His design will feature on the tram network as part of the campaign from 21 February to the end of March.
Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, Bev Hughes, said: “It’s important not only that women and girls are safe when on and around our public transport system, but that they feel safe and confident too.
“This campaign, led by Oldham College students, highlights behaviours that make women and girls feel uncomfortable, frightened and threatened and calls on men and boys to change their behaviour and call it out when they see it from others.
“I want to thank the students for leading on this campaign, which complements the wider work we’re doing to challenge the attitudes and behaviours amongst men and boys that enable gender-based violence.”
Dr Shaid Mushtaq, Councillor for the Alexandra Ward, Oldham, added : “As a Governor for Oldham College, I was delighted that our Graphic Design students were able to be so heavily involved in this project. I believe this poster will have a positive impact on the safety of women and girls using Oldham’s tram stops, providing guidance to those experiencing inappropriate behaviours and harassment.
“Collaboration is ongoing between the Safer Streets partners, enabling us to build upon the work that has already taken place to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour on the public transport network.”
Kate Green, TfGM’s TravelSafe Partnership Manager , said: “Everyone should be able to safely use and enjoy public transport, but there are some who act in an intimidating and threatening manner towards others, particularly women and girls.
“TravelSafe officers take an enforcement, engagement and education-led approach to reduce crime and antisocial-behaviour, while also making sure that people feel confident while using the public transport network.
“The Safer Streets programme will enable us to strengthen this work and focus on the safety of women and girls.”
The Safer Streets programme, which is being delivered in partnership by the GMCA, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Oldham Council, will see a number of interventions launched and tested on the tram network and at key stops to respond to the issues raised by women and girls. If proved successful, the schemes could be rolled at more widely, including beyond transport.
This work is part of the city-region’s long-term strategy to end gender-based violence and ensure Greater Manchester can be one of the best places in the world to grow up, get on and grow old.
Council leader joins organisation helping female sex workers
Council leader Arooj Shah spent Tuesday evening on the streets of Oldham with an organisation that is looking to support female sex workers.
Cllr Shah was with Manchester City Mission, an organisation that works with vulnerable people in the city including the homeless, hungry and sex workers. It was part of their project called Restart, which reaches out to sex workers and looks to help them bring stability to their lives.
Cllr Shah said on Twitter on Wednesday: "I spent the rest of the night staring at my ceiling in despair of the world we live in.
"I will do all I can to protect, support, empower women anywhere at any cost."
During the evening, Cllr Shah met with some of the affected women that Manchester City Mission looks to help and discussed how vital the support they receive is and what more needs to be done.
The organisation's Restart project looks to provide "non-judgemental support to sex workers" by helping them with sanitation, overcoming addiction, finding a stable home and protection against violence.
By helping them, Manchester City Mission looks to help sex workers make their way out of the industry, if the women wish to leave it.
Cllr Shah met with some of the senior members of Manchester City Mission in late January to discuss the launch of the Restart project in Oldham.
Director of Manchester City Mission Terry Durose said at the time that the council leader was "very supportive" of the work the organisation does and was "clearly passionate about helping those who want to find a way out of sex work".
The council leader has been active in projects that look to empower and help women.
Cllr Shah heads a taskforce that looks to tackle female inequality across the borough, has volunteered on Oldham Street Angels' Trust People scheme that addresses women's safety at tram stops and has previously tabled a motion to the council calling on police to offer "robust" responses to crimes against women amongst other things.
Oldham Council to install more CCTV cameras around town centre tram stations
Oldham Council is installing 51 CCTV cameras at locations around five Metrolink stops to help passengers and residents feel safer and more confident.
The new cameras will provide improved images and wider coverage, not only of the platforms but also of the access points to and from them, including some of the harder to see areas.
Funding has been secured through Greater Manchester’s Safer Streets funding and is part of the city-region’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy which was launched by the Mayor of Greater Manchester last September.
The new equipment will be managed by the council and will be put in place in areas around the tram stops from Freehold to Oldham Mumps.
The cameras are currently being installed and are set to go live in March.
Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods , said: “The council and our partners are building a borough that is vibrant, busy and a place where people want to live, visit and work.
“As part of this work there is a need to keep our residents and visitors, safe.
“Metrolink has had a huge impact on Oldham as it’s made it much easier for our residents to get around and connected the town better with the City region.
“Thousands of people use the tram safely every day – but sadly a small number of people do experience anti-social behaviour.
“These new CCTV cameras can act as a deterrent and if an incident happens, the footage could be used to identify those responsible.
“We want people to feel confident and safe when out and about and the introduction of more CCTV cameras will help with that.”
Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, Bev Hughes , said: “This is just one of a number of interventions we are putting in place through the Safer Streets fund.
“We want to ensure those who use our public transport system, particularly women and girls, can do so safely, confident that we are taking steps to address their fears and concerns.
“This forms part of Greater Manchester’s long-term strategy to enhance the safety of women and girls across our city-region and end gender-based violence in all its forms.”
The cameras are the latest initiative the council has introduced to help people feel safe when using the tram network. Back in November our Youth Service and Oldham Street Angels launched Trusted People., staff and volunteers are riding on trams and visiting stops, and the areas around them, talking with residents of all ages. The teams are offering a friendly face around the Oldham tram stops in case residents are feeling uneasy, especially during the winter nights.
Funding for Trusted People has also been provided via GMCA.
One week left to tell us how safe you feel in the borough
Our safety in public spaces survey closes next week on Wednesday 19 January.
There's still time to let us know where and why you feel unsafe in Royal Greenwich. Although the data from this survey will be used to help shape and inform our new Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, we are also asking men and non-binary people to share their safety concerns so we can make our public spaces safe for everyone who lives in or visits our borough.
If you haven't already, please also let us know what you think of our potential future plans to tackle gender-based violence.
If you have made comments, please make sure you verify your email - you should receive a confirmation email after submitting your answers.
December update on Safer Spaces
Thank you for your feedback about safer spaces in Islington. We are analysing all the feedback as we receive it and comparing what you tell us to the data we hold. We are also sharing what you tell us with the local police.
In response to your feedback we have:
We have seen a recent increase in reports of parcels being stolen that have been left outside homes by delivery people. In some cases parcels have been left in communal areas of flats and have then been stolen by people claiming to be delivering parcels, in order to gain entry into the communal areas. Please be careful about who you buzz into communal areas and where possible arrange to ‘click and collect’ your parcel if you know you will be out when it is being delivered.
Don’t forget our community safety team will be outside Farringdon station this Thursday morning to talk to you about any safety concerns you have. They are also carrying out bike marking and registration and giving out catalytic convertor marking kits for car owners.
Please keep sharing this site with your friends, family and colleagues, we will be using this map to collect your experiences on safety in Islington for a few more weeks. Click on the ‘share’ buttons below!
November update on safer spaces
Thank you for providing us with your feedback on safer spaces in Islington. The comments we have received are very useful in helping us understand where you feel unsafe and why.
In response to your feedback we have:
We are going to be carrying out an Environmental Visual Audit (EVA) at the front of Finsbury Park station to look at possible design changes that could make this area feel safer and reduce crime and ASB, and also at Vaudeville Court and Prah Road, close to Finsbury Park, in response to reports of drug use and rough sleepers entering the estate to sleep. We also have our Street Outreach team visiting this site on each shift to provide the required support and manage this.
We have been running safety events across the borough, the next one is on Thursday 9 December between 9am and midday outside Farringdon station. You can get your bike marked and registered for free and checked by Dr Bike. If you have a car you can collect a free catalytic convertor marking kit for your car and you can get safety advice on any issue you are concerned about.
We are going to be sending out a local newsletter to neighbourhoods across Islington every three months. It will include a variety of news, from local events to safety updates, you can sign up to receive the newsletter for your area here.
We know we can reach many more voices across Islington and we want to hear from everyone in the borough – please do keep sharing the site with your friends, family and colleagues. Click on the ‘share’ buttons below!
White Ribbon Day
Thank you for your feedback on LLDC’s consultation on the safety of Women and Girls in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park/Legacy Corporation Area.
Today is White Ribbon Day – an international awareness day calling for communities, organisations and people to come together and say ‘no’ to male violence against women and girls.
In solidarity with the campaign, London Stadium has lit up with a message of support on its external screen – one of the largest digital screens in Europe.
We hope that this will encourage more people to have a conversation about White Ribbon Day means and why it is so important.
To find out more about the campaign and the White Ribbon Promise visit: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/what-we-do and join the conversation on social media using the hashtags #WhiteRibbon #AllMenCan and #MakeThePromise.
From today, until Human Rights Day on Friday 10 December, are the 16 Days of Action – with men everywhere asked to make the promise to “never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women”.
There is a lot of activity planned in our local boroughs, including a full programme of events from London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Keep an eye on their Twitter account here for more details.
We’d also like to share that we have extended our consultation deadline until 13 December , for feedback on the safety of women and girls across the Legacy Corporation area. Please continue to share your feedback, and share this consultation with any friends, family or colleagues who might also want to share their views.
As ever, if you have any questions or have any other comments you’d like to offer, please email us at womens-safety@londonlegacy.co.uk
Thank you again for sharing your comments with us.
Thank you!
Thank you for your feedback on LLDC’s consultation on the Safety of Women and Girls in the Legacy Corporation Area. Your comments will help us understand the experience of those who use public space within the Legacy Corporation area, identify areas of concern and allow us to make necessary interventions to improve the safety of all Park users.
Over the longer-term, your feedback will also help us shape future policy, and influence how we plan and develop the Legacy Corporation area. This will help us improve equality of space for women and girls - making a better and more inclusive place for people of all ages and needs.
The more information we receive, the better understanding we will have, so please do share this consultation with any friends, family or colleagues who you think might also want to share their views.
We also wanted to take this opportunity to share our new personal safety guide. This guide collates useful information such as who to call if you have a safety concern on the Park, the quickest lit routes to stations and what to do if you are lost.
A digital version of this guide can be found on our website here , with hard copies available from our Information Point , located at the IQL Pavilion, as well as in venues around the Park.
If you have any questions or have any other comments you’d like to share with us, please email us at womens-safety@londonlegacy.co.uk
Thank you again for sharing your comments with us.