Empowering women’s safety: A year of progress in the City
November 2024 marked a significant milestone for the City of London Crime Prevention Association’s commitment to women’s safety. The Prevent Violence against Women and Girls and Domestic Abuse Consortium – Our Safer City, celebrated its first anniversary. This groundbreaking initiative has made substantial strides in enhancing safety for women in the Square Mile.
A data-driven approach
The consortium’s approach is grounded in rigorous research and analysis. Collaborating with Oxford Partnership and Professor Katrin Hohl OBE, the initiative has conducted comprehensive surveys to gauge public perception of safety in the City. This data-driven methodology has provided the foundation for several successful initiatives:
Taxi Marshalling: a resounding success
The relaunched taxi marshalling service at Liverpool Street Station has proven to be a game-changer, facilitating over 15,000 journeys and serving 24,000 passengers, with a significant proportion of lone female travellers. An impressive 97.5% of users reported increased feelings of security during their journeys.
Safe Haven scheme: expanding refuges
The Safe Haven Scheme has established 120 designated safe spaces across London, offering immediate sanctuary to those feeling vulnerable. These havens, accessible via the Safe Haven app, include building foyers, hospitality venues, and libraries.
Hannah Wadey, CEO of Safer Business Network, emphasised the scheme’s importance: “This year, the Safe Haven scheme has continued to be a vital lifeline for individuals in vulnerable situations, offering immediate refuge and reassurance. As we approach the busy party season, their importance becomes even more significant.”
Wadey added, “We’re thrilled to see organisations such as Greene King pubs, Lloyd’s, and One Lombard Street signing up to the scheme, showcasing the shared commitment to community safety in the City of London. Looking ahead to 2025, our challenge is to broaden this network further.”
Ask for Angela: doubling its impact
In partnership with the Safer Business Network and City of London Police, the Ask for Angela initiative has seen its network double in size. This program empowers individuals to seek help discreetly in potentially uncomfortable situations.
Wadey remarked on this initiative: “The success of Ask for Angela highlights the power of collaboration in creating safer nightlife and public spaces. These programmes not only empower individuals but also equip staff with the skills to intervene effectively.”
Collaborative efforts for lasting change
The consortium’s work aligns with national policing priorities to combat violence against women and girls. Detective Superintendent Kate MacLeod highlighted the importance of collaboration: “I attended the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s annual VAWG conference (Call to action as VAWG epidemic deepens) earlier this year where the message was made loud and clear. In order to effectively tackle the Violence Against Women and Girls epidemic we are witnessing, we need a ‘whole system’ approach that brings together law enforcement, criminal justice partners and industry specialists alongside government bodies.”
Changing attitudes and behaviours
A crucial aspect of ensuring women’s safety is changing attitudes and raising cultural and workplace awareness. The consortium is developing partnerships with organisations focused on awareness and education.
Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA):
This organisation raises awareness about domestic abuse’s prevalence and encourages employers to support their employees.
Founded by Poppy Murray, this charity engages men as allies by providing tools and language to contribute positively.
This initiative raises awareness about drink spiking and provides training to safeguard against this crime.
Founder and CEO, Dawn Dines, stated: “The challenges of tackling spiking are ongoing; as cases continue to increase, working collaboratively across sectors can make a real difference for victims. In 2025 we hope to consolidate our achievements by changing legislation to improve conviction rates.”
Looking ahead
As the initiative enters its second year, Heather Butler, Board Member of the consortium, outlines future goals: “As we move into 2025, the focus remains on expanding our network of safe spaces, increasing awareness through education programmes, and fostering partnerships that make a tangible difference in preventing violence against women and girls in the City of London. This work is about changing our society, recognising unacceptable behaviour and doing something about it.”
The Our Safer City initiative continues to evolve, with an active online presence and ongoing community engagement. As it progresses, the consortium remains committed to creating a safer, more inclusive City of London for all.
Andrea Berkoff
Editor
