More must be done to keep women safe on the streets, says Calderdale Labour and senior councilllor

Deputy Leader of the Labour-controlled Calderdale Council, Jane Scullion, said women have had enough of not feeling safe and locally the authority would work with partner organisations to do everything it could to change the situation.

The Labour group has also called on the Government to take action.

Coun Scullion was speaking following the death of Sarah Everard in London this month which has started a national conversation about women’s safety with vigils held amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Women should be able to get on a bus or train or walk home without fear of being attacked,” said Coun Scullion (Lab, Luddenden Foot).

“We will review our policies and services in the council to make sure that our environment, streets and transport are safe for all travellers.”

She said Calderdale was proud that the national White Ribbon Campaign to end male violence has its national headquarters in Calderdale.

“Its work with men and boys to challenge behaviours that lead to harassment has never been more important.

“We also work closely with Calderdale Women’s Centre and we support a refuge for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.

“But we need to do more, and we will. We want to see a culture change which makes male violence socially unacceptable,” she said.

Coun Scullion said Calderdale Labour believes that the death of Sarah Everard is a watershed moment.

“We are calling for the government to listen to women and take concrete steps to keep them safe, as well as tackling the legal injustices around harassment, sexual violence and domestic abuse.

“Enough is enough!” she said.

Local Democracy Reporting Service