Safer Streets

Introduction

We are working together with Kingston, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, as well as the Met Police (South West London Safer Street’s Partnership), to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Our streets should be safe for everyone. We want women and girls in South West London to feel confident and welcome to enjoy the places where they live and work.

In Merton, tackling Violence Against Women and Girls is a key priority area for the Safer Merton Partnership.  Tackling VAWG is so high on our priority list because:

• 1 in 3 women aged 16 - 59 will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime
• 2 women a week are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales alone.
• Many VAWG crimes are often hidden from view and are under-reported.
• Many forms of VAWG are characterised by a victim being repeatedly abused, in particular, domestic abuse has the highest rate of repeat victimisation of any other crime.
• On average victims experience 50 incidents of domestic abuse before getting help.

In the last year, the partnership has focused on a number of different interventions to tackle VAWG:

• A commitment to bringing the survivors voice into all aspects of our strategic work
• The Safer Streets comprises a number of exciting initiatives. This includes extensive training to professionals and members of the community across the borough, as well as on the ground interventions to provide access to support to those who are feeling unsafe.
• Becoming White Ribbon accredited which has enabled the beginning of a culture change – getting people to talk about VAWG and removing the stigma within the community
• Encouraging men and boys in the local community to become white ribbon ambassadors and allies.
• Safer Streets initiatives that include engaging men and boys in the faith based community, bystander training as well as developing a bespoke social media campaign.

We take a coordinated community approach which means ending VAWG  is not the responsibility of any one single organisation, we all have a part to play.

We have created this space to be able to keep members of the community updated on our ongoing work and key tools and resources that can support you to #StepUp and support the fight to end violence against women and girls.

To make the White Ribbon Promise White Ribbon UK

In an emergency always call 999

Sexual violence or harassment

If you have been a victim of sexual violence or harassment, there is support available. If something happens in a public place: If in danger always call 999, Non emergencies call 101

If something happens on the transport network

You can text us on 61016 to tell us about non-emergency incidents, In an emergency always dial 999.

• British Transport Police - How to use our text number
• If you would like to share where you don’t feel safe you can go to the Met Police Street Safe website.

Other support

• Rape and Sexual abuse support centre. National Freephone Helpline 0808 802 9999, 12:00 – 14:30 daily, 19:00 – 21:30 daily
• Victim Support: call Support line for free on 08 08 16 89 111, 24/7
• Solace Womens Aid: Freephone 0808 802 5565
• Safer Streets Merton Bystander Guide
• Safer Streets Supporting Disclosures

Safe Zone

We have been working on our Safer Streets project to improve the safety of women in our night-time economy and this has included setting up a Safe Zone in Wimbledon, outside Wimbledon train station and one in Mitcham Town Centre.

We have been working with Merton Street Pastors who will be running the Safe Zone, as well as working in partnership with Met police and British Transport police, Love Wimbledon and other charities.

The Safe Zone is open for anyone that feels unsafe or needs a little assistance while in the town centre. The safe zone will provide a point to charge a phone, or a safe place to wait for a taxi or ask for help if they feel unsafe.

Wimbledon Safe Zone - First Friday of the month - 10pm - 2am

Mitcham Safe Zone - Last Friday of the month - 6pm - 9pm

If you need further information, please contact safer.merton@merton.gov.uk

Safer Streets Merton Bystander Guide

Free online training is being provided by Suzy Lamplugh Trust during February, March and April 2024

A ten-minute online training course that provides techniques to stop street harassment, whilst keeping you safe.

Women’s Walk and Talks

Community Officers host ‘walks and talks’ with female residents to give local women the opportunity to discuss issues around women’s safety.

Officers can offer advice and support, while hearing from you on what needs to be done to help women feel safer.