Our Safer City
The initiatives have received immense support from notable individuals. Lady Mayoress Elizabeth Mainelli has graciously agreed to become the Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (P-VAWG) patron. Former City of London Police Commissioner Ian Dyson and vastly experienced leader within the Security sector Sarah Cork have also joined as ambassadors, further bolstering the cause.
The Board have set their sights on not only reducing violence against women and girls in the City of London but also expanding these initiatives to other cities. With a long-term vision in mind, we aim to use the first year to create a template that can be successfully replicated elsewhere, promoting safety and security for women across the county.
Prevent VAWG #OurSaferCity
In a collective effort to address the pressing issue of violence against women and girls (VAWG), a board comprising representatives from Law Enforcement, the Security Industry Authority, the Security Institute, Change Professionals, The Taxi profession, and Safer Business Network, came together under the leadership of Don Randall MBE, the Chair of the City of London Crime Prevention Association.
Our goal is to champion the prevention of VAWG and work towards making the city a safer place for all.
Our Safer City Initiatives
Taxi Marshalling
The launch of the Women's Safety Initiative at the Liverpool Street Station taxi rank. Collaborating with the London Taxi PR (LTPR), the City of London Crime Prevention Association introduced Taxi Marshalling, aimed at enhancing the safety and security of women utilising taxi services. This initiative promises to be a significant step in addressing safety concerns and ensuring a positive experience for women travelling in the City.
Download the Safe Haven App here
Safe Havens
Safe Havens are a practical way for businesses to let people know that a form of support is easily available if they need help.
The definition of a Safe Haven is –
"A place of temporary refuge for a person to facilitate their onward journey. Whilst the Safe Haven cannot provide specialist interventions, staff can contact emergency services and/or signpost to specialist services where needed”.
We will be looking for businesses that are willing to be a Safe Haven to help women with their onward journeys – for example:
Providing a friendly face and reassurance./Allowing the individual to charge their phone.
Calling a taxi /Contacting family/friends.
Waiting for, or signposting to transport.
If required, making a phone call to the emergency services, or offering useful helpline numbers to the affected person.
We have created a Safe Haven Logo and App to publicise the presence of Safe Havens throughout the city.
Data Analysis and Insight
To gauge the concerns and sentiments of women in the city regarding their safety, a survey has been widely circulated. The response has been overwhelming, with over 500 participants sharing their insights. Collaborating with law enforcement, Safer Business Network, the City Security Council, the Corporation of London, and other key stakeholders, the board aims to carefully review and address these concerns, incorporating them into their ongoing initiative. The survey data coupled with the work from The Oxford Partnership has supported the P-VAWG initiative by collating data and mapping crime, licenced establishments, along with people’s movements through the City (incorporating the survey data) to identify a map of where the issues are and where we need to focus our efforts.
WAVE and Ask For Angela
Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) Training aims to increase the skills, knowledge, and confidence of those working in licensed premises when identifying vulnerability and making appropriate interventions.
At the end of the training attendees will be able to:
Know the history of WAVE and Ask for Angela
Understand the definition of vulnerability.
Explore and understand what makes people vulnerable.
Identify factors that assist you to recognise vulnerability.
Explore where interventions can be made to reduce vulnerability.
Identify appropriate interventions to assist in reducing harm.
Recognise and promote the Ask for Angela Campaign
Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse
Support in the city for EIDA and encourage as many businesses as possible to get onboard.
·Raising awareness about the role of employers in stopping domestic abuse
·Equipping employers with tools they need to care for employees affected by domestic abuse.
Connecting members to the right partners and initiatives for support, best practice, and shared learning
National Security Inspectorate Building Security Assessment Scheme
The objective of the scheme is to enhance security, safety, and fire safety standards within multi-occupied commercial buildings. It serves as a benchmark, reflecting the commitment of commercial property owners to safeguarding their premises, staff, and the public.
