Promoting the safety of women and girls in public spaces – share your ideas at online event
Residents can submit their ideas and questions to improve safety for women and girls in public spaces to a panel of experts, charities, police and council staff at a special event next week.
The online discussion on 30 September will explore the experiences of local people and include presentations on the policing response to the issue, how to improve safety in Hackney’s nightlife and the support available to women – including trans women – who have experienced sexual violence.
Speakers will include the East London Rape Crisis Service, the Metropolitian Police, LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Galop, relevant Council services and Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety.
More than 70% of women in the UK say they have experienced sexual harassment in public – whether on the street, public transport, schools, workplaces or parks.
Nobody should have to experience sexual harassment or intimidation in Hackney public spaces or feel afraid of walking, cycling, or using our parks, regardless of their gender identity.
But the sad reality is that too many women and girls in Hackney have experienced harassment in their daily lives. We’re determined to stamp out this abuse, and we want to hear the lived experiences of people in Hackney to help us tackle this scourge on our society.
I’d encourage people to join us to give us their ideas and questions so that together we can build a safer Hackney for everyone.
Part of the Council’s dedicated strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, the event follows the Council’s #ReframeTheNight campaign to tackle common myths and misconceptions about night-time sexual harrassment, increased investment in women’s refuges and work to tackle domestic violence, and vigil in response to the murder of Sarah Everard in March.
The Safety of Women and Girls in Public Spaces event takes place at 12pm on 30 September. Register online and submit a question to the panel.