Community and living - Let’s talk about women’s safety

Southwark Council takes women’s safety seriously. In July 2014 the council’s set out the delivery of a Women’s Safety Charter (WSC) aimed at bars and clubs as part of its Fairer Future Promises.

Work so far


In order to shape the WSC the council carried out extensive consultation. Women told us that being sexually harassed in nightclubs, bars and pubs was an issue which affects their quality of life.

Many women also disclosed that if a man groped them in a club, they would not complain to a member of staff. In order to address this issue, Southwark’s WSC is a voluntary pledge for bars and clubs with five principles on how they will support women experiencing sexual harassment in their premises.

Bars and clubs which sign up to the scheme display posters explaining that harassment will not be tolerated and encouraging reporting to staff.

Training is also provided for staff on how to deal appropriately with reports. The training ensures that the charter works in practice and that it makes a real difference for staff and customers. The official launch attracted wide national media coverage. Over 40 licensed premises have now signed to the WSC.

Harassment on construction sites


During the consultation some women and girls also reported that harassment from men working in construction sites was also an issue, this has also been recently highlighted by national media. In addition, the construction industry is a male dominated sector and concern about harassment of a sexual nature might be deterring women form entering professions and trades in this sector.

What can you do


For these reasons the council is working with its regeneration construction partners Lend Lease and Notting Hill Housing to extend the WSC to this field. We want to hear from women whether as employees or contractors on construction sites or members of the public about their experiences of harassment linked to this industry, how it was dealt with and what we can be done to improve responses to these issues.

Your response will help us shape the principles in the charter and the contents of the training package.

We know it can be difficult to talk about these issues, by filling in this questionnaire you will help to shape future services in Southwark. We really appreciate your input.

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