![\"Don](\"https:\/\/citysecuritymagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Don-Randall-750x550-1-150x150.jpg\")
During a packed two hours, the objectives were to create a greater understanding and promote awareness with an emphasis on taking action. As chair, Don Randall MBE CSyP shared motivation for organising the event as the startling increase in rape offences and a disturbing revelation by a colleague that she had experienced three separate incidents: sexual assault, harassment and drink spiking.<\/p>\n
Shared Views<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Angela](\"https:\/\/citysecuritymagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Angela-McLaren-750x550-1-150x150.jpg\")
It is clear that there is a consensus on many aspects of these insidious problems. In her welcoming speech, Angela McLaren, Commissioner, City of London Police<\/a>, said: \u201cViolence against women and girls is deep rooted and complex. The police cannot deal with this alone; we work best in partnership with the public, private and third sector.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Lucy](\"https:\/\/citysecuritymagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Lucy-Dorsi-750x550-1-150x150.jpg\")
Lucy D\u2019Orsi, Chief Constable, British Transport Police<\/a>, added: \u201cThis affects us all and cannot be ignored. We all have a role to play.\u201d<\/p>\nThere were frequent references to these crimes representing a societal problem. Lucy D\u2019Orsi said: \u201cThere is a culture around violence; we need to make a culture that is inclusive, respectful and safe.\u201d Anthea Sully, White Ribbon UK<\/a>, added: \u201cThese crimes can be prevented, we need to hold onto that. We want women to live free from violence.\u201d She outlined some of the cultural changes that White Ribbon support: \u201cWe need to engage with men and boys as allies.\u201d She added: \u201cWe know it is a continuum of violence, we need to get involved with low-level behaviour, men need to be empowered to call things out.\u201d<\/p>\nShocking Statistics<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe speakers shared the related statistics and Lucy D\u2019Orsi commented: \u201cThe statistics are alarming. One in six women have experienced unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport. One in four women experience domestic abuse.\u201d Susan Bright from EIDA highlighted that two women a week are killed by a partner.<\/p>\n
T\/Det Chief Supt Matt Pilch from the Metropolitan Police Domestic Abuse Unit added: \u201cIn the last 12 months, there have been 150,000 reports of domestic abuse incidents, 96,000 domestic abuse crimes reported and 67,000 suspects.\u201d<\/p>\n
Insights from Survivors<\/strong><\/h2>\nShital V, founder of FREE2BYou Foundation<\/a> shared some of her lived experience of domestic abuse. She described how it is about power and control and how some men feel entitled to entirely control the women in their lives, isolating them, making them subordinate and destroying their self-belief.<\/p>\nDomestic abuse can also impact men. Paul, a victim and survivor, shared his story. He endured a long journey of abusive, controlling behaviour. He eventually managed to survive this experience with much involvement and support from police, social services, his employer and charities.<\/p>\n
Difficult time for policing <\/strong><\/h2>\nThe police representatives spoke with candour about recent tragic and shocking crimes involving police officers. Angela McLaren said: \u201cTrust and confidence is low.\u201d\u00a0 Lucy D\u2019Orsi added: \u201cThe abhorrent behaviour of some police officers is sickening.\u201d Inspector Stephanie Williamson from the College of Policing spoke of 2021 as the watershed moment for policing legitimacy. Matt Pilch said: \u201cProfessionally and personally, I am embarrassed having these colleagues. It is going to take a long time to recover confidence in us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Insights into current initiatives <\/strong><\/h2>\nThe speakers provided useful insights about initiatives currently taking place:<\/p>\n
New Policing Framework for Delivery<\/strong><\/h3>\nLucy D\u2019Orsi explained how December 2021 brought a new national framework for delivery for policing violence against women and girls. In a fundamental shift, VAWG is now a national strategic priority. It will be treated with the same commitment and determined action as counter terrorism.<\/p>\n
Stephanie Williamson spoke about the VAWG taskforce. Their goal is to drive consistency in police forces across the country, promoting best practice and building related policies and performance frameworks. A key part of this is rebuilding confidence and trust, a relentless pursuit of perpetrators and creating safer spaces for women and girls.<\/p>\n
BTP Initiatives<\/strong><\/h3>\nDetective Chief Superintendent Paul Furnell spoke about a pilot with TFL \u2013 banning predatory people from the rail network \u2013 toolkits and training. He also highlighted the BTP media campaigns and how their purposefully provocative approach is helping to encourage bystander intervention on staring, cat calling and sexual harassment.<\/p>\n
The imabi Platform<\/strong><\/h3>\nMark Balaam introduced imabi<\/a> \u2013 the unified technology platform that aims to tackle harmful and unacceptable behaviours. This unified platform can be tailored and customised and is behind a number of safety products including the BTP Railway Guardian app and other applications for schools, businesses and a soon-to-be released community version.<\/p>\nTraining<\/strong><\/h3>\nProviding training was a key theme for many of the speakers. Bethany Nash of Safer Business Network<\/a> introduced Wave training. This staff-based training provides intervention guidance on difficult situations and more than 10,000 people have already been trained. They are offering free events, face-to-face and online training, and are also looking to make this available as an e-learning package.<\/p>\nAnthea Sully, White Ribbon UK<\/a>, also emphasised the importance of training. They are working with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust<\/a> on bystander training \u2013 gentle ways to effect change. White Ribbon also transforms workplaces with briefings and training, providing: \u201cpowerful awareness raising and encouragement to unite to end violence\u201d.<\/p>\nSafe Havens<\/strong><\/h3>\nSafe Havens is a scheme that aims to make the most of the many buildings around our cities. Paul Dickenson said: \u201cWe wanted to use the already existing infrastructure, with the existing 24\/7 workforce, to provide a short-term refuge for someone to keep safe.\u201d Working with Croma Security Solutions, they are developing the Safe Haven app.<\/p>\n
Operation Reframe, City of London Police <\/strong><\/h3>\nInspector Caroline Hay and Chief Inspector Sarah Dobinson provided an insight into Operation Reframe, a high-visibility partnership in the City of London with the aim of making the City safer. This includes a welfare tent at Liverpool Street station staffed by the Samaritans with partners St Johns Ambulance and the SIA. They are constantly evolving their measures, including tackling drink spiking, bystander and Ask Angela training.<\/p>\n
Security Partnerships<\/strong><\/h3>\nDavid Ward CSyP from the City Security Council (CSC)<\/a> described how they can offer part of the solution: \u201cThe CSC reach is impressive so we can educate security officers about VAWG. We can help identify safe havens \u2013 make these places identifiable, properly equipped, and train staff.\u201d<\/p>\nChris Smith CSyP from the Security Institute<\/a> explained how this membership organisation for those working in security can help influence and work in partnership. They host seminars and webinars bringing together senior influencers, police and security organisations.<\/p>\nWhat can I do?<\/strong><\/h2>\nEach speaker highlighted what individuals and organisations can do to support efforts to tackle VAWG and DA:<\/p>\n
Download the BTP Railway Guardian App<\/h3>\n
DCS Furnell from the BTP encourages everyone to download their Railway Guardian App (available for iPhones and Android). This enables you to report crimes and concerns and be an active bystander.<\/p>\n
Text 61016 to report a crime on the rail network<\/h3>\n
DCS Furnell also reminded everyone that you can text 61016 to report any crime on the railway network. Use this number if concerned about your or someone else\u2019s safety.<\/p>\n
Make the White Ribbon promise<\/h3>\n
Anthea Sully, White Ribbon UK, asks everyone to make the White Ribbon promise:<\/p>\n
I promise never to commit, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women.<\/p>\n
Join the Employers\u2019 Initiative on Domestic Abuse \u2013 EIDA<\/a><\/h3>\n![\"Susan](\"https:\/\/citysecuritymagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Susan-Bright-750x550-1-150x150.jpg\")
Susan Bright, CEO of EIDA<\/a>, explained how EIDA brings together experience and expertise so all business can support their staff. EIDA provides tools and resources, including a template domestic abuse policy, helps businesses to share best practice and works with government and other partners to ensure employers are equipped to support people enduring or recovering from domestic abuse and to address the negative behaviours of perpetrators. You can join for free here: EIDA.org.UK<\/a><\/p>\nSign up to the Mayor of London\u2019s Women\u2019s Night Safety Charter<\/h3>\n
Sarah Walker from Safer Business Network explained that any organisation that operates at night can nominate a champion to share guidance with staff and customers; spread the word via social media and newsletters; provide ways of getting help and advice; give training.\u00a0Sign up to the charter here: London.gov.uk\/womensnightsafety<\/a><\/p>\nAttend Wave training events<\/h3>\n
It is clear that there is a consensus on many aspects of these insidious problems. In her welcoming speech, Angela McLaren, Commissioner, City of London Police<\/a>, said: \u201cViolence against women and girls is deep rooted and complex. The police cannot deal with this alone; we work best in partnership with the public, private and third sector.\u201d<\/p>\nThere were frequent references to these crimes representing a societal problem. Lucy D\u2019Orsi said: \u201cThere is a culture around violence; we need to make a culture that is inclusive, respectful and safe.\u201d Anthea Sully, White Ribbon UK<\/a>, added: \u201cThese crimes can be prevented, we need to hold onto that. We want women to live free from violence.\u201d She outlined some of the cultural changes that White Ribbon support: \u201cWe need to engage with men and boys as allies.\u201d She added: \u201cWe know it is a continuum of violence, we need to get involved with low-level behaviour, men need to be empowered to call things out.\u201d<\/p>\n The speakers shared the related statistics and Lucy D\u2019Orsi commented: \u201cThe statistics are alarming. One in six women have experienced unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport. One in four women experience domestic abuse.\u201d Susan Bright from EIDA highlighted that two women a week are killed by a partner.<\/p>\n T\/Det Chief Supt Matt Pilch from the Metropolitan Police Domestic Abuse Unit added: \u201cIn the last 12 months, there have been 150,000 reports of domestic abuse incidents, 96,000 domestic abuse crimes reported and 67,000 suspects.\u201d<\/p>\n Shital V, founder of FREE2BYou Foundation<\/a> shared some of her lived experience of domestic abuse. She described how it is about power and control and how some men feel entitled to entirely control the women in their lives, isolating them, making them subordinate and destroying their self-belief.<\/p>\n Domestic abuse can also impact men. Paul, a victim and survivor, shared his story. He endured a long journey of abusive, controlling behaviour. He eventually managed to survive this experience with much involvement and support from police, social services, his employer and charities.<\/p>\n The police representatives spoke with candour about recent tragic and shocking crimes involving police officers. Angela McLaren said: \u201cTrust and confidence is low.\u201d\u00a0 Lucy D\u2019Orsi added: \u201cThe abhorrent behaviour of some police officers is sickening.\u201d Inspector Stephanie Williamson from the College of Policing spoke of 2021 as the watershed moment for policing legitimacy. Matt Pilch said: \u201cProfessionally and personally, I am embarrassed having these colleagues. It is going to take a long time to recover confidence in us.\u201d<\/p>\n The speakers provided useful insights about initiatives currently taking place:<\/p>\n Lucy D\u2019Orsi explained how December 2021 brought a new national framework for delivery for policing violence against women and girls. In a fundamental shift, VAWG is now a national strategic priority. It will be treated with the same commitment and determined action as counter terrorism.<\/p>\n Stephanie Williamson spoke about the VAWG taskforce. Their goal is to drive consistency in police forces across the country, promoting best practice and building related policies and performance frameworks. A key part of this is rebuilding confidence and trust, a relentless pursuit of perpetrators and creating safer spaces for women and girls.<\/p>\n Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Furnell spoke about a pilot with TFL \u2013 banning predatory people from the rail network \u2013 toolkits and training. He also highlighted the BTP media campaigns and how their purposefully provocative approach is helping to encourage bystander intervention on staring, cat calling and sexual harassment.<\/p>\n Mark Balaam introduced imabi<\/a> \u2013 the unified technology platform that aims to tackle harmful and unacceptable behaviours. This unified platform can be tailored and customised and is behind a number of safety products including the BTP Railway Guardian app and other applications for schools, businesses and a soon-to-be released community version.<\/p>\n Providing training was a key theme for many of the speakers. Bethany Nash of Safer Business Network<\/a> introduced Wave training. This staff-based training provides intervention guidance on difficult situations and more than 10,000 people have already been trained. They are offering free events, face-to-face and online training, and are also looking to make this available as an e-learning package.<\/p>\n Anthea Sully, White Ribbon UK<\/a>, also emphasised the importance of training. They are working with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust<\/a> on bystander training \u2013 gentle ways to effect change. White Ribbon also transforms workplaces with briefings and training, providing: \u201cpowerful awareness raising and encouragement to unite to end violence\u201d.<\/p>\n Safe Havens is a scheme that aims to make the most of the many buildings around our cities. Paul Dickenson said: \u201cWe wanted to use the already existing infrastructure, with the existing 24\/7 workforce, to provide a short-term refuge for someone to keep safe.\u201d Working with Croma Security Solutions, they are developing the Safe Haven app.<\/p>\n Inspector Caroline Hay and Chief Inspector Sarah Dobinson provided an insight into Operation Reframe, a high-visibility partnership in the City of London with the aim of making the City safer. This includes a welfare tent at Liverpool Street station staffed by the Samaritans with partners St Johns Ambulance and the SIA. They are constantly evolving their measures, including tackling drink spiking, bystander and Ask Angela training.<\/p>\n David Ward CSyP from the City Security Council (CSC)<\/a> described how they can offer part of the solution: \u201cThe CSC reach is impressive so we can educate security officers about VAWG. We can help identify safe havens \u2013 make these places identifiable, properly equipped, and train staff.\u201d<\/p>\n Chris Smith CSyP from the Security Institute<\/a> explained how this membership organisation for those working in security can help influence and work in partnership. They host seminars and webinars bringing together senior influencers, police and security organisations.<\/p>\n Each speaker highlighted what individuals and organisations can do to support efforts to tackle VAWG and DA:<\/p>\n DCS Furnell from the BTP encourages everyone to download their Railway Guardian App (available for iPhones and Android). This enables you to report crimes and concerns and be an active bystander.<\/p>\n DCS Furnell also reminded everyone that you can text 61016 to report any crime on the railway network. Use this number if concerned about your or someone else\u2019s safety.<\/p>\n Anthea Sully, White Ribbon UK, asks everyone to make the White Ribbon promise:<\/p>\n I promise never to commit, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women.<\/p>\n Sarah Walker from Safer Business Network explained that any organisation that operates at night can nominate a champion to share guidance with staff and customers; spread the word via social media and newsletters; provide ways of getting help and advice; give training.\u00a0Sign up to the charter here: London.gov.uk\/womensnightsafety<\/a><\/p>\nLucy D\u2019Orsi, Chief Constable, British Transport Police<\/a>, added: \u201cThis affects us all and cannot be ignored. We all have a role to play.\u201d<\/p>\nShocking Statistics<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Insights from Survivors<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Difficult time for policing <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Insights into current initiatives <\/strong><\/h2>\n
New Policing Framework for Delivery<\/strong><\/h3>\n
BTP Initiatives<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The imabi Platform<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Safe Havens<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Operation Reframe, City of London Police <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Security Partnerships<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What can I do?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Download the BTP Railway Guardian App<\/h3>\n
Text 61016 to report a crime on the rail network<\/h3>\n
Make the White Ribbon promise<\/h3>\n
Join the Employers\u2019 Initiative on Domestic Abuse \u2013 EIDA<\/a><\/h3>\n
Susan Bright, CEO of EIDA<\/a>, explained how EIDA brings together experience and expertise so all business can support their staff. EIDA provides tools and resources, including a template domestic abuse policy, helps businesses to share best practice and works with government and other partners to ensure employers are equipped to support people enduring or recovering from domestic abuse and to address the negative behaviours of perpetrators. You can join for free here: EIDA.org.UK<\/a><\/p>\nSign up to the Mayor of London\u2019s Women\u2019s Night Safety Charter<\/h3>\n
Attend Wave training events<\/h3>\n