Safer Streets
Our borough has had the lowest crime rate in London for the last three years, but there is plenty of work to be done to further reduce crime rate and to protect the most vulnerable within our communities.
What we are doing
We are working together with Kingston, Merton and Wandsworth Councils as well as the Metropolitan Police (South West London Safer Streets Partnership), to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG).
For us, safety means ensuring every resident feels secure in our community. By working with our partners to address the root causes and behaviours that enable gender inequality, we can deliver on our commitment to make Richmond upon Thames a safe borough for everyone.
About Safer Streets
The Safer Streets partnership, which includes Kingston, Merton and Wandsworth, was awarded £200,000 of government funding in 2022 to continue its innovative work to make the streets safer for women and girls. It also provides the opportunity for local authorities to invest in transformative crime prevention initiatives.
Our joint bid comprises of extensive training to professionals and members of the community across the borough, as well as on the ground interventions to provide access to support to those who are feeling unsafe.
Working to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG)
Working with our partners, we have:
- Made a commitment to bring the survivors voice into all aspects of our strategic work
(pdf, 2.3 MB) - Started the process of reviewing our existing service provision around VAWG and looking at the needs of our local community
- Enabled the beginning of a culture change as a White Ribbon accredited organisation, becoming a forum to discuss VAWG and remove the stigma in the community
- Worked to encourage men and boys in the local community to become White Ribbon ambassadors and allies
- Started Safer Streets initiatives that include engaging men and boys in the faith-based community, bystander training as well as developing a bespoke social media campaign
Keep updated on our ongoing work and find resources that can support you to #StepUp and support the fight to end violence against women and girls.
How you can help
There are a number of ways that businesses and residents can help tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG).
Businesses
We are asking local businesses to #StepUp and join us in helping make the borough safer for everyone.
To support businesses in taking the next step, we have developed a comprehensive toolkit:
- Employers policy guidance: Helping to establish or improve on their policies related to domestic abuse and all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG)
- Supporting disclosures in the workplace: Supporting employers as they promote a safe working environment and encouraging a culture where employees feel able to disclose abuse
- Bystander intervention guide: Encouraging employees to take a stand against all forms of abuse and provides guidance for individuals to challenge or report abusive behaviour without putting themselves at risk
Everyone
Keep an eye out for free training opportunities for residents and night-time economy workers that provide you with the tools to safely intervene when you see problematic behaviour occurring.
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