A network of shops, bars, offices, and public buildings in Derby city centre, which are designated as Safe Places for women and girls to seek help and support if they are concerned about their safety, has been revealed.
The initiative is part of the Safe Derby awareness campaign, organised by Safe & Sound and Derby City Council, which aims to rally communities across the city to tackle, challenge and prevent violence against women and girls in public places.
According to the most recent statistics*, more than 35% of crimes reported in Derby were Violence and Sexual Offences which has appeared to get worse over time.
The aim of the campaign is to have at least one Safe Place on every high street in Derby city centre, both day and night.
Staff within the premises will ensure the individual can contact someone if they wish to get home safely or just give them time to collect their thoughts. If the matter is more serious or a crime has been committed, they will be encouraged to contact the police.
Mark Richardson, Partner at BB&J Commercial and Chair of Trustees at Safe and Sound said “The Safe Place initiative is a welcome idea and is a practical measure that will hopefully allow more women and girls to walk around free of fear and intimidation. I would urge all businesses in the City Centre and beyond to support it and take part in making Derby a safe place to be.”
The confirmed venues so far include:
- Derbion
- Derby Theatre, Crown Walk
- Quad, Market Place
- BEAR & Think3, Iron Gate
- Staywell Café, St Mary’s Gate
- Nadia Jane Performing Arts School, Green Lane
- Palace Bar, Green Lane
- Sacred Bean Café, The Morledge
- Community Action Derby, Shot Tower
- Padley charity shops in East Street and Sadler Gate
- HSBC bank, St Peter’s Street
- McDonald’s, St Peter’s Street
BB&J Commercial stands strongly to support those who have been affected by gender-based violence, abuse, harassment, and exploitation.
We also stand with Derby’s zero tolerance to gender-based exploitation and hope for a city free from this kind of violence.
To find out more about this initiative, please click here.
*Statistics from December 2021 – Derby Crime and Safety Statistics | CrimeRate
