Plans to tackle violence against women and girls in Havering have been outlined by Havering Council for 2025 to 2029.
A five-year plan was agreed by the Council’s cabinet on Wednesday (9 April 2025) and under the Havering Community Safety Partnership, it will include:
- working towards the reduction and prevention of violence against women and girls, increasing trust, confidence and better supporting of victims, and protecting people from exploitation and harm
- to deliver various initiatives and services with partners, including raising awareness, events, campaigns, support services and enforcement action to address four main areas: Prevention, Provision, Protection, and Partnership
- to work towards the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls through the development of strong policies, preventative work, high-quality service provision and support and robust enforcement actions against offenders.
The Havering Community Safety Partnership consists of Havering Council, Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, health and probation services plus safer neighbourhood teams.
The aim of the partnership is to help reduce crime, disorder, anti-social behaviour, domestic violence and other behaviour negatively affecting communities.
As well as reducing the misuse of drugs, alcohol and other substances, reducing the fear of crime and increasing public confidence in public services.
Examples of the work that is already being carried out to tackle VAWG, include:
- hosting workshops and sessions at local colleges and sixth forms for students of all genders to talk and discuss how to stay safe and how behaviour to others can affect a situation
- working with the police to host a VAWG tent as part of the night time safety initiative in town centres - speaking to passers-by and providing information on VAWG crime prevention
- holding consultations to hear from residents on their knowledge and understanding of VAWG and the ways the Council and its partners can support them
- regular awareness days throughout the year and during the annual 16 Days of Action and White Ribbon campaigns, at local shopping centres and across communities
- working alongside partners, local community groups, charities and domestic violence support organisations, in supporting victims and survivors, plus working to push for the strongest action against offenders.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“As a Council and as part of the Havering Community Safety Partnership, the safety of all our residents is our main priority.
" A key commitment is to continue to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls.
“This plan will enable us to keep working towards preventing and reducing this crime in our borough.
“We are already working hard but know there is more to do.
"We've now shown our commitment as a partnership to take this work further over the next five years.
“The aim is to help make a real change in the lives of our residents who need our support and keep them safer.”