READING Borough Council is putting a range of measures in place intended to improve the safety of residents and prevent violence against women and girls in the town centre.
It comes as Tuesday, November 25, marks White Ribbon Day, a global campaign to end male violence against women.
Among the implementations are the commissioning of Berkshire Women’s Aid to provide a dedicated helpline, as well as refuge spaces, domestic violence advocates, and an outreach worker.
The council is also providing further support for Reading Safe Space, on Chain Street, which provides a space for those who feel ill or unsafe while in the town centre.
It is also seeing further investment in CCTV measures and a control room, which is monitored 24-hours a day, in conjunction with Thames Valley Police.
There is also continued support for the council’s licensing team, which provides daily checks on taxis to ensure they are roadworthy and properly licensed by drivers with valid paperwork and ID.
From Tuesday (November 25), the council is set to run a two-week campaign highlighting the work of partner organisations in continuing progress in the borough towards increasing and bolstering safety.
Among it is the collaboration between Thames Valley Police and Reading’s night-time economy in Operation Vigilant.
The initiative sees officers on patrol with a focus on catching predatory behaviour towards women on a night out.
Elsewhere, Reading Business Improvement District is continuing its provision of drink spiking test kits, and sustained support for the Ask for Angela scheme, which gives those who need it a way of seeking help discreetly from venue staff.
White Ribbon Day is a global movement aimed at ending violence against women and girls, established in 1991 and observed on November 25 annually.
Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said: “As a regional hotspot with our vibrant night-time economy and venues, Reading can be a victim of its own success.
“As with all large urban areas, we can always do more around ensuring a safe night out for everyone.
“We are committed to helping end violence against women and girls and I want to reassure residents that we are working hard across a wide range of issues to help make residents, in particular women and girls, feel safer in the town centre.
She explained: “Our clampdown on illegal taxis, ensuring our comprehensive CCTV network is fully functional and there when it is needed, and our commissioning of Berkshire Women’s Aid to provide support around domestic abuse are just a few of the ways we ensure our residents can access the help they need.
“I’m also delighted that our partnerships with Reading BID, Thames Valley Police and the Street Pastors who run the Safe Space for us are all pulling together to make Reading safer, especially for women.
“It’s also really positive to see our night-time venues implementing the “Ask for Angela” initiative and employing a growing number of female door supervisors, acknowledging our priorities around ensuring safe nights out for women and girls.
“There is a lot of really good work going on in Reading which I hope reassures those women that want to enjoy a great, safe night out in Reading”.
More information about White Ribbon Day is available via: whiteribbon.org.uk
The council is also reminding those who are experiencing domestic abuse, or know someone who is and need support, that support is available via Berkshire Women’s Aid.
The service is commissioned by the council to provide refuge services and a helpline for those who need it, available via: 0808 801 0882.
Anyone in immediate danger should call 999.
