Issue - meetings

On a motion from Councillor Dine Romero, and seconded by Councillor Karen Walker, it was unanimously

RESOLVED that

Council

1.  Believes everyone should have the right to be safe from violence and harassment on our streets.

2.  Recognises that the killing of Sarah Everard has, again, brought the issue of behaviour towards women and girls and their safety to the forefront.

3.  Acknowledges it’s not just women who are at risk but that any individual may be vulnerable to attack for various reasons.

Council also notes:

4.  There are already many excellent initiatives and campaigns by local and national organisations aimed at safeguarding the welfare of individuals e.g. ‘Got Ya Back’ and ‘Ask Angela’

5.  Violent incidents are thankfully rare in B&NES and our police force already work closely with Council officials to combat sexual harassment and other types of aggression.

6.  However, every occurrence of intimidation or attack is one too many.

Council therefore:

7.  Resolutely rejects behaviour and actions which may cause women and girls from any background to have to modify their activities in order to feel safe.

8.  Champions the right of women and girls to be protected from violence and harassment in public places within B&NES.

9.  Believes that this principle should be embedded in our Council strategies going forward.

10.Supports schemes such as ‘Ask Angela’ and calls on licensed businesses to participate and to take active steps to ensure harassment and sexual intimidation is taken seriously through participation in this scheme.

11.Calls on Council departments and other bodies responsible for public spacese.g. housing associations, parish councils, transport providers, to improve the security of public spaces by encouraging them to review lighting (in streets, car parks and parks) CCTV provision and other pertinent means to improve safety.

12.Calls on schools, colleges, universities and youth organisations to renew their efforts to promote a ‘safety and respect for all’ agenda amongst their students.

13.Requests an update on progress on these matters to Council on 18 November 2021.