PCCs receiving £23.5 million for local projects to tackle violence against women and girls
Police and Crime Commissioners and local authorities across England and Wales are to receive a total of £23.5 million for local projects aimed at increasing the safety of public spaces for all, with a particular focus on tackling violence against women and girls.
APCC Prevention Lead Festus Akinbusoye said: “Since the Safer Streets Fund was launched last year, Police and Crime Commissioners have received around £40million to help prevent crime in our communities. By analysing data and working with our partners, we have ensured that this money has been directed into more than 100 projects targeting the neighbourhoods which need it most, tackling the causes of burglary and other acquisitive crime.
"Today’s announcement sees further investment of £23.5 million being provided, specifically to prevent violence against women and girls."
Deputy Prevention Lead Kim McGuinness said: "Sarah Everard’s murder earlier this year brought the conversation around violence against women and girls to the fore.
"In Northumbria, for example, 60% of women told me that they are uncomfortable moving around and using public transport at night. The additional money we have received will make a real difference in addressing the feeling of fear women feel in our streets, on our transport networks and in our parks.
"We need, however, to look at longer-term cultural change, through education and interventions, in recognition of the need to make combatting street harassment, stalking, and sexual assault in public spaces everybody’s business. Safer streets is part of the solution but there is a lot to do."