London strengthens women’s safety in public spaces

Night Safety Charters and practical measures aim to protect women across the capital.

Transcript

00:00In London, 14% of people believe wolf whistling should be a criminal offence.

00:05That's higher than other regions.

00:0740% want charges for people who persist after being told to stop,

00:11and 60% back prosecuting those who block another person's way.

00:16The Metropolitan Police have worked with women's running clubs on buddy systems

00:20and added more patrols in parks like Clapham Common and Victoria Park.

00:25Local groups say harassment discourages women from exercising alone,

00:28especially after dark.

00:31Pilot schemes elsewhere where officers in sportswear intervened during harassment

00:34underlined how frequently this behaviour occurs.

00:38City Hall has invested in Safer Streets funding,

00:41improving CCTV and lighting on key routes.

00:44Some argue that new offences would make the law clearer,

00:47while others believe better enforcement of existing rules

00:50combined with education in schools and community outreach is the best way forward.

00:54Ministers are now reviewing which approach would have the greatest impact.