Council is working on strategy to tackle violence

Herefordshire Council leaders are working to improve a strategy to tackle violence against women in the county.

The council has been in talks with the Herefordshire Women’s Equality Group about improving a strategy the community safety partnership is developing.

Cabinet member Liz Harvey, who is responsible for their equality policy, said more needs to be done for women to feel safe.

She said the news of Sarah Everard’s death was devastating.

“It’s absolutely horrendous,” she said.

“All those testaments from women on the television and the radio who say they carry their keys in their hand or have a screamer rape alarm attached to the strap of their bag.

“That’s how women feel they have to be.

“It’s not just Clapham Common. It’s walking from Ledbury town council meetings to the car. You are just wary. Whether the threat is real or not.

“The perception is that you just need to be wary.

“Women don’t have many places that are safe spaces.

“Herefordshire is a really safe place, but violence against women still happens here.”

She said council officers are working on a strategy for the community safety partnership on how to tackle sexual violence.

“I’m talking to officers at the moment and I’ve had correspondence from the Women’s Equality Group.

“This is to talk about the strategy the community safety partnership is putting together at the moment on how to tackle sexual violence.

“I’m very keen and happy to be an advocate on how to improve matters and do things better.”