WEST MIDLANDS Police have outlined its plan to keep women feeling safe across the region.
This comes after more than 2,000 residents took part in a police survey which looked at how safe women feel at home and in their neighbourhoods.
The force said the survey showed many felt safe during the day but those feelings were lower at night and many feel unsafe when out in their nearest town or city at night.
The main concerns highlighted included men hanging around car parks, women being followed, badly lit streets and sexual assaults.
To combat these issues the force has set out a 21-point plan of things it will do to rebuild trust with those affected.
These include not asking women to change their behaviours, working with organisations to address the root cause of gender inequality and putting patrols in more secluded and darker areas.
The Violence Reduction Unit will to talk to pupils in schools about treating each other with respect and what is and isn’t appropriate behaviour.
The force is also reviewing its Code of Ethics to refresh the values and develop more support for the frontline leaders.
Assistant Chief Constable Claire Bell said: “Getting better and getting this area of work right really matters to us.
“We have always taken violence against women and girls seriously.
“However, we accept that the voice of women and girls has not been reflected as it should be in our policing priorities and plans. We hope this piece of work demonstrates our desire to listen to you.
“While policing cannot provide all the solutions to end this violence, we have a major role to play in making women and girls feel safe and confident to report, as well as preventing harm and bringing perpetrators to justice.
“We want to rebuild trust and make our streets as safe as possible and as part of this we want to reassure you that you are safe when interacting with us.
“We need everyone to work together to make a difference and ensure that women can feel safe in our towns and cities. We know there’s lots more to do, but we hope this work proves that we’re determined to help you feel safe.”
