Venues urged to prioritise women's safety

Bars, venues and employers have been urged to prioritise the safety of women and girls by signing up to a charter in Sheffield.

The initiative encourages businesses to take practical steps such as improving lighting, installing CCTV and appointing a "safety champion" to help tackle violence against women.

The charter has been created by Sheffield City Council and was designed to give everybody the opportunity to enjoy the city safely, without fear of harassment or intimidation, a council spokesperson said.

Flo Rushton, from anti harassment campaign group Cat Calls Of Sheffield, welcomed the strategy but said: "It's an encouragement but there is always more to do."

"The charter is definitely a step in the right direction but relies on businesses taking the initiative," Rushton said, adding that it needed to encourage sites to "make concrete changes".

Cat Calls of Sheffield was one of the groups involved in developing the charter.

The city has about 200 licensed premises and a student population of more than 65,000 students, according to the council.

A spokesperson said the safety of women and girls was a national concern, with many women and girls facing frequent harassment.

Joe Otten, chair of the environmental services and regulation policy committee, said: "When venues stand together on this, we send a powerful message that Sheffield is a city that cares.

"It's a commitment to creating spaces where people can relax, enjoy themselves and feel truly welcome."

Businesses and venues were encouraged to sign up to the charter by contacting Sheffield City Council.

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