Half of women and girls in Croydon do not feel safe where they live, survey finds

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Half of the women and girls in Croydon do not feel safe where they live, a survey has found.

The survey of more than 1,000 people found women and girls did not feel safe waiting for public transport, in parks, in shopping centres or in high streets in the borough.

The survey was carried out in 2021 and is included in the new community safety strategy for 2022-24.

In light of the concerns raised, Croydon council is expected to make a public commitment to improving safety for women in the borough.

Croydon’s new community safety strategy for 2022-24 reads: “Half of women and girls felt a bit unsafe or not at all safe where they lived (in contrast with one-sixth of young residents).

“This was mainly because of harassment, sexual assault and personal robbery. Fifty nine per cent had experienced crime and three quarters had witnessed crime.

“Larger district centres in the north and east, such as West Croydon, Thornton Heath, South Norwood and New Addington, as well as Croydon town centre, were most frequently mentioned as areas they would avoid.

“Respondents did not feel safe while travelling or waiting for public transport, in parks, shopping centres and high streets, as well as in pubs, bars and clubs.”

Jason Perry, Croydon’s executive mayor, is expected to set out a “statement of intent” at the next cabinet meeting.

This follows a community reassurance meeting at the end of August where attendees shared personal experiences of harassment and violence in Croydon.

Work is expected to focus on supporting victims and perpetrators of domestic violence through the council’s Family Justice Centre, as well as building a three-year plan to tackle violence against women and girls.

Mayor Perry said: “Women and girls in Croydon have the right to feel safe going about their everyday lives.

“The council can and will play a leading role in creating this environment and our statement of intent clearly signals that there is no room for violence or harassment in our borough.

“We are determined to keep working with the police and local partners, but also closely involve our communities, as we deliver solutions to keep women and girls safe.

“We are also aware of the need for wider cultural change within our society and are firmly committed to continue challenging the perpetrators of violence, tackling problematic mindsets and behaviour wherever we encounter them.”

Pictured top: Shoppers in Croydon town centre (Picture: Tara O’Connor)