Safer Steps: night-time walk in Larne to focus on women's personal safety
Women in Mid and East Antrim are being invited to take part in a safety focused night-time walk in Larne this December joined by a local neighbourhood PSNI officer.
The event, hosted by MEA’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) in collaboration with Council’s Parks and Open Spaces team and the PSNI, will aim to create a safe space for women to focus on issues relating to all aspects of personal safety.
Departing from and returning back to Sandy Bay Pavilion in Larne, it will be held on Thursday, December 4 from 7.30pm to 9pm.
As well as the opportunity to meet up and walk with other women, tea, coffee and festive treats will be provided afterwards to warm up, while safety advice will be shared and any questions answered in a relaxed and informal session with Local Neighbourhood PSNI Officer Julie McKeown.
Mid and East Antrim PCSP chair, Councillor Lauren Gray, said: “MEA PCSP is committed to ensuring that the voices of local people are heard on policing and community safety issues. We hope women in the borough will take the opportunity to come along and avail of the personal safety advice on offer, in a friendly and informal setting.
“Engaging with women in this way recognises that, while broader societal change is needed to tackle gender-based violence, whether it manifests as harassment in public spaces, domestic or sexual abuse or coercive control, we can help to empower women by hearing their concerns and offering practical support and guidance.”
The Council’s Parks and Open Spaces team recognises the importance of women and girls accessing and enjoying blue and green spaces, from beaches to parks, safely.
MEA PCSP is committed to improving community safety, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, and building community trust and engagement with police. It also provides a support programme for male and female victims of domestic-abuse, including age-appropriate support for children who have been affected.
The Safer Steps event will come during the 16 Days of Action against Domestic Violence, which is an annual international campaign.
It runs this year from November 25 – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - until December 10, Human Rights Day.
The Safer Steps walk is free, but registration is required via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/safer-steps-tickets-1962399332229
Once registered, you will receive final information in advance of the walk.
PSNI Inspector Colin Ash said: “The Safer Steps event, which falls during the national 16 Days of Action campaign, is an opportunity for the Police Service of Northern Ireland to build on our relationships and continue to have important conversations with our partners and the community we serve about what we are doing to take action.
“It is crucial that we strengthen partnerships and maximise opportunities to hear from, and listen to, people in our community to better understand their views on what more needs to be done as a society to create an environment in which they can feel and be safe.
“We want everyone to have confidence in police and know that we are working on their behalf, collectively with partners, to make a real and lasting difference to change attitudes and behaviours, and create safer communities.”