We’ve launched a survey to better understand how you feel about women’s safety.
Recent tragic events, including the death of Sarah Everard and Julia James, have shocked and saddened us all and have highlighted concerns many women have about personal safety in their day-to-day lives.
We want our region to be a place where women can live free of fear, and we will use the results of this survey to work with a range of partners and the new Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, to tackle any safety concerns as part of his Police and Crime Plan.
We want women to feel confident to seek help and support if they need to. This survey is open to everyone and is completely anonymous.
It can be found here: https://westmidlandspolicepnn.researchfeedback.net/s.asp?k=162142221061 and will run until 22 June.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster said: “Tackling violence against women and girls and domestic abuse is one of my top priorities.
“The responses from this survey will not only help West Midlands Police with their work, but I will also use the views collected as I form my Police and Crime Plan. Protecting victims of crime and making sure that the right support is out there is something I will be focusing on during my time in office. We have a real opportunity to make a difference.
“I want the West Midlands to be a place where women and girls can live without fear of abuse, in all its forms. That is why I want to hear about personal experiences so we can get a better understanding of what needs to be done to make them feel safer. We know this is not just about CCTV and street lighting, we know it is also about changing behaviours. We want to hear from you, tell us what would make a difference.”
Assistant Chief Constable Claire Bell, said: “Many women have experienced some form of sexual harassment, unwanted attention or behaviour that has made them feel unsafe.
“The tragic events around Sarah and Julia’s death, among many others, have really provoked lots of emotions, conversations and people have been keen to share their thoughts and experiences. We’re listening.
“This survey aims to listen to what women and girls in our community have to say on their personal experiences and how safe they feel. We also want to ensure that anyone who needs help and support, knows how to access it.
“The information we get from the survey will form part of a wider piece of work which will enable us understand what needs done. It will inform our plans and our approach in the future to improve personal safety.
“With a better understanding we will be able to target more effective response and action to make change.
“The action by the police and the criminal justice system is right to be under scrutiny. National prosecutions and convictions on rape are too low. The growing scale of domestic abuse continues to require our collective efforts as we all strive to be better.”
She continued: “Police enforcement isn’t the single answer to this issue, we need to work with parents, schools, employers and all agencies to change culture but there is already a lot of good work being done around women’s safety, but we clearly need to do more.
“In addition, and together – we all need to be more responsive to threatening behaviour to women . I’d urge you to take part in this really important piece of work and help us make real changes to women ’s lives.”
If you have been a victim crime please contact us via live chat on our website or call 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
There is a wealth of vital support services available in the West Midlands more information can be found here: https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/your-options/domestic-abuse
Details of services and help available, even if you haven’t reported via the police, can be found here: https://wmpcc.formationmedia.dev/victims/
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