Council extends supports for women to make residents feel safer at night

We are extending our Safe Space initiative by 12 months. The Safe Space, which launched in July 2022, has supported numerous vulnerable residents and helped people stay safe during weekend evenings in Richmond town centre.

The Safe Space is part of our long-term approach to improve safety in Richmond Upon Thames and end violence against women and girls.

Cllr Ben Khosa, Richmond Council’s White Ribbon Ambassador, said: "We all have a responsibility to end violence against women and that means taking part however we can to change the culture that allows violence to take root. From the Safe Space to the White Ribbon walks, there are many local initiatives that show our borough cares about women’s experiences and will work as a community to make everyone feel safe.”

As a White Ribbon accredited organisation, we are committed to encouraging allyship within the borough. To do this, we work with local organisations and groups to build community engagement. The Safe Space marquee is delivered in partnership with the Community Police, British Transport Police, South West Railways, and supported by Street Pastors and volunteers assisting anyone out during the evening who may be feeling vulnerable.

We have also organised a White Ribbon Walk in June to show solidarity with women. It will be led by the Mayor and Cllr Khosa, who will be joined by fellow ward councillors for North Twickenham and St Margarets Cllr Alexander Ehmann and Cllr Katie Mansfield.

The walk aims to encourage residents to make a stand and call out abusive behaviour. Everyone can take part by turning up on the day to demonstrate the borough’s solidarity with victims and the collective determination to eliminate abusive behaviours against women and girls. The walk will be marshalled and will pass by Moor Mead Park and Twickenham Station.

Event details:

• Date: Saturday 10 June 2023
• Time: 4pm
• Location: Starting point at St Margaret’s Station to Twickenham Stadium

Our VAWG Strategy works to tackle violence against women and girls by prioritising changing behaviours, accessing support, and holding perpetrators to account. The walk and Safe Space form part of a wider approach to make women and girls feel safer.

Richmond upon Thames is also a member of the South West London Safer Streets Partnership, alongside Kingston, Merton and Wandsworth Councils and the Metropolitan Police. This partnership delivers initiatives to engage men as well as provide bystander training to residents, empowering them support vulnerable people. Training for night-time economy workers is being delivered next month in collaboration with local publicans. 

White Ribbon is a global campaign that encourages people, especially men and boys, to act and change the culture that leads to abuse.

Learn more about White Ribbon.