City of Westminster (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Westminster launches an initiative to enhance women safety in London’s nightlife, adopting a zero-tolerance policy on harassment to create a secure environment.
It follows concerning statistics showing that eight out of ten women in the capital had been subjected to harassment of some kind during the previous two years, with 7% saying they had been coerced into having sex.
The goal of central London’s Westminster After Dark initiative is to “future-proof the evening and night-time environment” between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
A draft proposal has been made available for public review, and interested parties are encouraged to provide input so that the final plan can be improved.
In an effort to combat anti-social conduct and improve protections for women and girls, Westminster City Council plans to install 100 more CCTV cameras, upgrade street lighting, and grow its combined council and police unit.
Newly licensed venues will have to evaluate and reduce hazards to women’s safety, and harassment will be treated with zero tolerance.
Along with resuming night bus services and increasing transportation alternatives after dark to ensure safe journey home, the Council has also committed to continuing its Night Stars initiative, which is a team of volunteers committed to helping revelers in the West End.
The strategy was created in response to the “challenges of managing competing demands” between maintaining a thriving nightlife and safeguarding the welfare of locals, according to Cllr. Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development.
“Following extensive engagement, Westminster After Dark explores how we will remain a welcoming, innovative, inclusive, and liveable city with something on offer for everyone,”
Cllr Barraclough added.
The approach, which targets neighborhoods including Oxford Street, The Strand, and Victoria Street, attempts to manage noise in residential regions while promoting live music, theater, and artistic enterprises.
Along with encouraging venues to organize “quiet nights” with lower noise levels, dimmed lighting, and designated calm zones, the Council is also trying to prioritize protecting LGBTQ+ spaces to ensure they continue to be safe and inclusive.
They will also look into family-friendly events, including museum openings at night and extended store hours, that do not involve alcohol.
The council is strengthening a community-wide commitment to safety by collaborating closely with the Metropolitan Police to make sure that harassment events are reported and dealt with appropriately.
Councillor Aicha Less, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection, added:
“Westminster has long been a global hub of activity and culture, drawing visitors from around the world with its unique mix of history, entertainment, and innovation.
As the city continues to attract visitors and businesses to its vibrant evening and night-time scene, we are prioritising a safer night-time environment.
We will help residents and visitors feel more secure with our measures tackling anti-social behaviour and improving women’s safety, which will boost economic opportunities for night-time venues.
We want the strategy to enhance the city between 6pm and 6am as a welcoming, thriving, and resilient place for everyone.”
What are the key initiatives for a zero tolerance policy on harassment of women in London?
The Women’s Night Safety Programme was launched in response to the high rate of sexual offenses in London, especially during the evening and nighttime hours. Through the implementation of numerous initiatives around the Westminster borough, the program seeks to make women’s surroundings safer.
A certification program for companies that prioritize enhancing women’s safety. By guaranteeing that employees are taught to identify and address harassment, this accreditation aids in identifying establishments dedicated to establishing safe places.
In an effort to alter attitudes and actions that support harassment and violence against women, the council is running programs aimed at potential sexual offenders.
To encourage women’s safety and lessen violence against women and girls, volunteers will patrol the West End’s evening and nighttime establishments.