Women and girls views sought on crime and safety

Women and girls in Cheshire aged 16 or above are being invited to take part in an independent survey about personal safety, crime and their experiences with the police.

Victim Focus has been tasked with gathering the views of women and girls from any and all backgrounds on topics such as personal experiences, trust and confidence in Cheshire police, whether they have ever reported crimes, and whether they would report a crime in the future.

The survey can be taken at www.freeonlinesurveys.com/s/l2mpYbKv

The results of the anonymous survey will inform Cheshire Police in their work to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG) and commission services for victims and survivors. It is particularly important to hear from girls aged 16-17 as they are one of the most likely groups to be victims of crime, but are often missed in other surveys as they are children.

Dr Jessica Taylor, Chief Executive of Victim Focus said:

“Women and girls in Cheshire are likely to have many experiences, views, thoughts, ideas and opinions that will improve and inform Cheshire Police. We are here to gather and then represent those views.

“It is vital that their voices are heard, and we will work with Cheshire Police to understand and act on the findings. Police are rightly under scrutiny all over the UK, as women and girls are beginning to discuss and reflect on how much crime, abuse and violence they have been subjected to across their lifespans, from being catcalled on their way to school through to being abused every day by their parents or carers.

“Ultimately, women and girls from all backgrounds and walks of life want to feel safe, and be safe – and when something happens to them, they want to be able to go to a police force who respects them, protects them and supports them.

“This anonymous survey is one way Cheshire Police can learn from women and girls and make the changes and improvements they need .

“The first step to effective change is listening to women and girls. No matter whether your experiences have been positive or negative, whether you have ever been subjected to crime or not, your views and opinions matter. Thank you to the women and girls who have already taken part.”

You can complete the survey by midday on Friday 1 December at www.freeonlinesurveys.com/s/l2mpYbKv.

You do not have to have been a victim of crime in order to take part.