Women and girls asked for views on crime and personal 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.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer has tasked Victim Focus 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 the police and the Commissioner 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.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer said:

“We know that women and girls are more likely to feel unsafe in particular situations and that there are crimes that disproportionately affect them. Addressing these issues and getting victim support right is a priority for me and Cheshire Constabulary and that’s why I want to hear views and experiences from across the county through this anonymous survey.

“We need constant feedback in order to improve, so I want to assure anyone taking this survey that you can have confidence in your anonymous feedback being acted on, in order to make our county safer and improve how the police and victim support services work.

Victim Focus has already carried out similar surveys both nationally and for other Commissioners and police forces around the country. Their work has supported police approaches to VAWG and trauma-informed policing and investigations.

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.”

Cheshire Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable, Una Kelly said:

“Tackling violence against women and girls has been this police force’s top priority for some time now and it’s vitally important that we hear about their lived experiences to help shape how we deal with this issue.

“I’m particularly keen to hear from our young, teenage women who do not always get the opportunity to share their views and experiences in this way.

“The survey doesn’t take long to complete and is anonymised but the feedback is really key for us so that we can continue to support women and girls in Cheshire as best as we can.”

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.