Women are asked where they feel in danger as plans are made to make our streets safer.
Police and Crime Commissioners (CPCs) across the country have been urged to apply for Home Ministry fund specifically to tackle violence against women and girls following the death shocking story of Sarah Everard.
And now, the Northumbria CCP is asking women in the area to share their experiences and perspectives on what makes them uncomfortable or even scared when they are out, day or night.
Kim McGuinness has launched an online survey to understand how safe people feel going about their daily lives in our area.
And she is now urging residents to give their opinion so that real solutions can be found to the problems that worry people.
She said: “Our area, fortunately, is one of the safest, but I am more than aware that there are still places and situations where people feel unsafe and vulnerable and we need to do something about it. this subject.
“Sarah Everard’s terrible experience in London struck a chord with so many women I know and the spotlight is more than ever on women’s safety, and rightly so. Sarah should have been safe, and she wasn’t.
(Image: PA)
“So I want people to make the most of this opportunity to speak up and tell me what they think so that we can improve security in our region and improve the lives of all.
“I want to be in a position where we can provide really serious solutions to people’s worries and concerns and we want to hear what could be done to make people feel safer.”
Ms McGuinness is seeking advice on practical steps that can help, but also wants to find solutions to some of the most important issues that put women’s safety at risk.
“We are fortunate to have wonderful networks and women’s support organizations in our region that are doing amazing things to help women feel safe, but we can all do more,” she said.
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
“There might be practical solutions for some areas like more lighting, CCTV etc., but I really want us to think about creative ways to improve security as well as larger cultural changes that are also happening. required.
“Education on attitudes, values and respect for others must play a role. And all of this is linked to the prevention work we do in schools and youth organizations through my Violence Reduction Unit. “
“I am determined to make real improvements in this area and I am grateful to anyone who feels able to share their thoughts and experiences with me, I understand that it is not always easy, but it will help to inform the plans to keep our communities safe. ”
Survey responses will inform an offer for Home Office money under the £ 25million Safer Streets 3 scheme.
The program focuses on improving the safety of public spaces, in particular addressing crimes that disproportionately affect women and girls and putting in place measures to make people feel safe when they are they are outside.
The investigation is launched today and will continue until June 21.
The results of the survey will feed into the Safer Streets 3 offers, which must be submitted by July 15.
The government is expected to announce the successful bids at the end of August.
To complete the survey, go to: http://bit.ly/NorthumbriaSSFR3