Havering Council is once again putting its support behind this year’s White Ribbon Day and 16 Days of Action campaigns towards the prevention of VAWG - violence against women and girls (25 Nov-10 Dec)
It also includes awareness and work towards the prevention of all gender-based violence.
Throughout the year, the Council’s community safety teams support women and girls who experience or are at threat of violence.
It also includes those who have concerns about domestic abuse and controlling or coercive behaviour.
They offer training to professionals to equip them with knowledge so that people can be empowered to flee from an abusive environment.
There is also working in partnership across communities to help change perspectives and reduce fear.
To also encourage more people to come forward and seek help.
One of the aims this year is to help women and every gender, feel safe in a public place.
Events and workshops either led or supported by the community safety teams, are taking place in town centres and other public areas.
On Saturday (23 November 2024) the Council’s community safety and enforcement teams joined Havering police, at a VAWG tent in South Street, Romford.
This is part of the night time safety initiative and they spoke to passers-by and provided information on VAWG crime prevention.
The aim of the project is to improve the experience for women visiting the town, making a safer environment for all, by having a visible presence and a point of safety.
Trident Medical services, Romford BID which helped fund the event and Havering’s Night Marshalls were also on hand to support.
Yesterday (Monday 25 November), Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council and Councillor Barry Mugglestone, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety,
attended an event at the Havering College campus in Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch.
The Community safety team hosted sessions for students to talk and discuss how to stay safe and how behaviour to others can affect a situation.
Also as part of the ongoing works, is the launch of the Council’s consultation for the Havering Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy and Action Plan.
The aim of the consultation is to hear from residents on their knowledge and understanding of VAWG and the ways the Council and its partners can support them.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“Sadly, we know many women and girls suffer from domestic violence and it’s sometimes difficult for them to come forward and ask for help.
“We want to be in a society where it is safe for woman and girls and all genders, both at home and when out visiting our town centres.
“Our teams provide support and advice all year round, but during the campaign, we will be again encouraging everyone who needs help, to know they can come forward in confidence and that they are not alone whatever the situation.
“Anyone who has experienced any form of anti-social behaviour, crime or has other concerns can also talk to us, so we can continue to help make our borough a safe place for people to live, work and enjoy."