Listening exercise findings project, August 2022
In response to a national conversation around the safety of women and girls in public spaces, the Safer Ealing Partnership (SEP) conducted a listening exercise to focus on the voices of women and girls in the borough.
More than 3,000 women and girls over the age of 13 took part in the conversation, sharing their thoughts and feedback on what would make them feel safer.
The women who took part shared their views via a survey on the give my view platform.
There was an interactive map where people could pinpoint locations where they have experienced harassment or felt unsafe in public spaces.
The SEP also held a number of focus groups in association with local support organisations:
- Southall Black Sisters
- Eastern European Services
- Bollo Brook Youth Centre
The partnerships aim was to listen to feedback and put actions into place to improve women’s safety.
In response to the findings an action plan has been created to improve the safety of women in the borough.
Street lighting
93% of women suggested that better lighting would improve safety in public spaces. In response, Ealing Council agreed to improve and extend street lighting by October 2022. Alongside, upgrading 3,100 light columns to LED and investing £2.1 million in upgrading all remaining streetlighting.
Education
Launch an education program offered to every secondary school, to focus on healthy relationships, as well as identifying and challenging unacceptable attitudes and behaviour.
Communication
90% of women were unaware of support organisations. The SEP will design a one-stop-shop Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) website. Links to support organisations for women and information on reporting will be included.
CCTV
60% of women suggested that CCTV cameras will make them feel safer. 14 new HD CCTV cameras will be installed in key locations identified in the consultation.
Reporting
Only 14% of women have reported incidents. A police officer in the borough will contact all female informants and victims of open-space violence or unwanted sexual attention.
Community
The police have a pledged to run a walk and talk activity every month and run community activities and events to build confidence in communities.
Read the safer Ealing for women action plan
Read the safer Ealing for women listening exercise findings report