We want to introduce new powers to help us crackdown on harassment in streets and public spaces.
A new Public Spaces Protection Order would allow officers from H&F’s Law Enforcement Team – who patrol the borough day and night – to step in and give fines of up to £100 where and when harassment happens.
Residents can now have their say on the plans. And share their views on what we can do to help women and girls feel safer in the borough – easily and anonymously.
“Being harassed in public is horrible and can leave those on the receiving end feeling scared. We know this is a reality that is far too common for women and girls in London,” said Cllr Rebecca Harvey, H&F Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion & Community Safety.
“We want to send a signal that this behaviour is totally unacceptable and inappropriate in H&F. But we can’t do it without you. Please share your views and help us make the borough safer and kinder.”
The consultation will be open until Thursday 11 January 2024.
Call it out
Street harassment can include persistent staring, whistling and commenting through to following or flashing. If it’s unwanted attention, it’s not ok.
Our Safety of Women at Night survey in 2022 revealed that 80 per cent of local women were concerned about sexual harassment.
Meanwhile, close to all respondents to our women’s safety survey in 2021 said to have witnessed a woman being harassed by a man or group of men in the last year. While over half of them had personally experienced street harassment themselves.
If you see or experience street harassment yourself, you can report it to H&F’s Law Enforcement Team on 0208 753 1100, or the Met police on 999 in an emergency.
Visit the women’s safety webpage for further support.
16 days of activism on gender-based violence
Our work forms part of H&F’s commitment to end and prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
Running from Saturday 25 November, H&F will once again mark 16 days of activism on gender-based violence with a programme of events.
We’re hosting a FREE art exhibition celebrating ‘Survivors thriving through Art’ at Sands End Arts & Community Centre in Peterborough Road, SW6.
View the photos from our launch event on our Flickr page.
The collection features artwork from survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, honour-based abuse and modern slavery and exploitation.
A collaboration between H&F Council and local specialist service providers and local artists, the free exhibition is open to the public until Sunday 10 December, 1pm to 6pm. Excluding 27 November, 1 and 4 December
