Launching the
Violence against Women & Girls and Domestic
Abuse Initiatives
The birth of the initiatives
P-VAWG, a board comprising representatives from law enforcement, the security industry and networks and change professionals came together early in 2023 under the leadership of Don Randall MBE, CoLCPA Chairman. Their goal is to champion the prevention of V-WAG and work towards making the City a safer place for all.
Initial Strands launched The initial strands of activity officially launched at the November meeting included:
Taxi Marshalling
Collaborating with London Taxi PR (LTPR), the City of London Crime Prevention Association has re-introduced Taxi Marshalling, aimed at enhancing the safety and security of women utilising taxi services.
The taxi rank is clearly signposted as an official licensed London Taxi rank, and Marshals – both of whom will be working licensed London Taxi drivers – wearing Hi-Vis jackets will be present. The scheme will operate on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 10pm through to 1am and possibly on to 2am.
EIDA - Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse
P-VAWG is working in support of EIDA – Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse – with the aim of encouraging as many businesses as possible to join this organisation. EIDA’s mission is to:
• Raise awareness, inspire and support employers to tackle domestic abuse.
• Provide the tools employers need to take effective action to support employees affected by domestic abuse.
• Connect members to the right partners and initiatives for support, best practice, and shared learning, through resources and events.
Find out more about free membership or becoming a strategic partner at
eida.org.uk
City of London Crime Prevention Association Building Security Assessment Scheme
Data Analysis and Insight
To gauge the concerns and sentiments of women in the City regarding their safety, a survey has been widely circulated. The response has been overwhelming, with over 500 participants. Collaborating with law enforcement, the Safer Business Network, the City Security Council, and the City of London Corporation and other stakeholders, the board plans to review these concerns, incorporating them into their ongoing initiatives.
© CITY SECURITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2023
The November meeting included the relaunch of the Building Security Assessment Scheme. The objective of the scheme is to enhance security and fire safety standards within multi- occupied commercial buildings and in this way support the goals of P-VAWG. The scheme has now been updated and refreshed in partnership with the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) to reflect today’s security requirements.
www.citysecuritymagazine.com
I
n a collective effort to address the pressing issue of violence against women and girls, the November meeting of the City of London Crime Prevention Association at Fishmongers’ Hall saw the official launch of the related Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls (P-VAWG) initiatives.
Safe Havens
Safe Havens are a practical way for businesses to let people know that they can offer support if they need help. P-VAWG are looking for businesses willing to be a Safe Haven to help women with their onward journeys – for example: providing a friendly face and reassurance; allowing the individual to example to charge their phone, call a taxi, or, if required, call the emergency services. There is a Safe Haven Logo and App to publicise the presence of Safe Havens throughout the City.
Ask for Angela and WAVE Training
WAVE Training aims to increase the skills, knowledge, and confidence of those working in licensed premises when identifying vulnerability and making appropriate interventions, and recognise and promote the Ask for Angela Campaign. There has been widespread take-up of this training in the licensed premises within the City of London.
Don Randall MBE, Chairman City of London Crime Prevention Association commented: “The CoLCPA are extremely pleased to be able to partner with NSI and update and refresh the newly formed 'Building Security Assessment Scheme'. The scheme will enhance the safety and security of all building occupants, support the blue light services and future proof current and planned legislative changes." Richard Fogelman, NSI Chief Executive said: “We extend an invitation to commercial property owners and representatives in London to apply for the scheme to visibly demonstrate their security commitments and instil confidence their building security operations are dedicated to continual improvement.”
The first premises to have been assessed under the new scheme received their certificates at the November meeting:
125 Old Broad Street, London EC2, Cushman & Wakefield: security provider Unitrust
1 Curzon Street, London W1, landlord: Colliers, security provider: Vigilant
Berkeley Square House, London W1 landlord: Colliers, security provider: Vigilant
33 Cavendish Square, London W1, landlord Colliers, security provider: Vigilant
Peter Lavery, FSyI, EMEA Security & Operational Resilience Manager said: “Cushman & Wakefield is delighted to be amongst the first to have achieved this CoLCPA & NSI recognised ‘Building Security Assessment Scheme (BSAS) certification. By submitting our building’s safety and security operation to a rigorous assessment process we have demonstrated our commitment to keeping our tenants and the wider public safe.”
For more information on the scheme and how to apply visit:
www.nsi.org.uk
What does the future hold?
The Board have set their sights on not only reducing violence against women and girls in the City of London but also expanding these initiatives to other cities. With a long-term vision in mind, they aim to create a template that can be successfully replicated elsewhere, promoting safety and security for women across the country.
Stuart Ewen Partner, Mindset Associates
www.mindsetassociates.com >
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