Tooting businesses urged to sign up to become a ‘safe space’ for women and girls

A campaign to provide safe spaces for woman and girls in the wake of the murder of Sarah Everard has launched this week.

Businesses in Balham, Earlsfield, Furzedown and Tooting can sign up to the scheme, which will show women and girls who feel unsafe that they can go inside.

They will also be able to charge their phone or call the police.

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, MP for Tooting, who is behind the campaign said: “Women and girls deserve to feel safe on our streets.

“The Government are failing to enforce existing laws, dismissing Labour’s calls for new legislation to protect women and girls, and are without a strategy to tackle the misogynistic attitudes that underpin the abuse women face.

“Now is the time to put in long overdue protections for women and girls, but the Government isn’t taking this issue seriously.”

Sarah Everard was abducted and murdered while walking home in Clapham in March.

Her death has provoked debate about violence against women and girls.

Dr Allin-Khan added: “I want Balham, Earlsfield, Furzedown and Tooting to be a safe space.

“With darker nights fast approaching, I’m calling on local businesses to sign up and be a Safe Space where women and girls know they can pop in when they feel unsafe walking home, charge their phone, or even make a call to the police.”

Local businesses can sign up to be a Safe Space here: www.drrosena.co.uk/safespace