The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Violence Reduction Alliance (VRA) has launched a suite of online resources for professionals to help them recognise Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Trauma in children and …
Safer Places for Women and Girls
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Safer Places for Women and Girls
The Violence Reduction Alliance (VRA) believes harassment and violence in any form is unacceptable and is committed to creating safer public spaces for all, particularly women and girls, and others who might find themselves vulnerable.
A local survey carried out by the VRA in 2021, highlighted that 67% of female respondents had experienced harassment, intimidation, or violence in a public place, 92% feared walking down subways or alleyways, followed by 90% feared walking in poorly lit areas in the night-time economy.
In response to this survey, the VRA has developed a Safer Places for Women and Girls Charter and is inviting all businesses and organisations operating in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to sign the Charter and work together to reduce violence against women and girls in public spaces and to improve feelings of safety in the day and at night, including the night-time economy.
The Charter is a voluntary pledge for organisations to show they acknowledge the issue and that they’re ready to get proactive in improving women and girl’s safety and experience.
When businesses and organisations sign up to the Charter they will receive a window decal and social media assets to show they are a signatory.
Whatever your organisation, there will be something you can do to better support women and girl’s safety.
Resources
If you are a business or organisation operating in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and you are ready to take proactive steps to help make your area a safer place for women and girls, download the charter below and become a signatory to receive promotional material.
Free Vulnerability Awareness Training
The VRA has worked with local training provider Re-Solv to produce Vulnerability Awareness Training for those who work in the night-time economy.
The online training modules explore:
- Understanding Vulnerability
- Understanding Harassment
- Intervening & Responding
- Creating Safer Environments
- Useful Sources for Support and Information.
Find out more here.
Have you been a victim or witness of harassment?
Have you been a victim of harassment or would like more information about how to safety intervene? We've listed the information below to help you.
What is harrasment?
If someone’s repeatedly behaving in a way towards you that’s making you feel scared, distressed or threatened, then you may be a victim of stalking or harassment. Find out more on the relevant links.
How do I report harassment?
Staffordshire Police – If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of stalking or harassment there are a few different ways you can report it to the police.
StreetSafe – to anonymously report public places where you have felt or feel unsafe, because of environmental issues, e.g. street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism and/or because of some behaviours, e.g. being followed or verbally abused.
British Transport Police – The free Railway Guardian app helps you report crime to British Transport Police and provides information on what to do if you see sexual harassment on trains or at stations.
Further Information
Staffordshire Women’s Aid
www.staffordshirewomensaid.org
The Survivors Trust (Rape and Sexual Violence Services)
www.thesurvivorstrust.org
Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner
staffordshire-pfcc.gov.uk
Staffordshire Police
www.staffordshire.police.uk
New Era – the new holistic Domestic Abuse (DA) service operating across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
www.new-era.uk
End Violence Against Women (for specialist women’s support services)
www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk
Suzy Lamplugh Trust (Campaigning, education and support focusing on stalking)
www.suzylamplugh.org
Help and Support available to you
Visit our Support page for further information and advice on where to go for support.
Campaigns
We are taking a partnership and inclusion approach to bringing about positive changes in communities throughout Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent. These projects are created or selected based on understanding and needs of local communities, brought by those who are living and working within them.
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