Recent tragic events have highlighted concerns many women have about personal safety in their day-to-day lives, so West Midlands Police have launched a survey to better understand how you feel about women’s safety.

Officers want the region to be a place where women can live free of fear and say they will use the results of this survey to work with a range of partners and the new Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, to tackle any safety concerns as part of his Police and Crime Plan.

The survey is open to everyone and is completely anonymous. It can be found by clicking here. It will run until 22nd June. Assistant Chief Constable Claire Bell, said:

“Many women have experienced some form of sexual harassment, unwanted attention or behaviour that has made them feel unsafe.

“This survey aims to listen to what women and girls in our community have to say on their personal experiences and how safe they feel. We also want to ensure that anyone who needs help and support, knows how to access it. 

“The action by the police and the criminal justice system is right to be under scrutiny. National prosecutions and convictions on rape are too low. The growing scale of domestic abuse continues to require our collective efforts as we all strive to be better.

“Police enforcement isn’t the single answer to this issue, we need to work with parents, schools, employers and all agencies to change culture but there is already a lot of good work being done around women’s safety, but we clearly need to do more. 

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster added:

“Tackling violence against women and girls and domestic abuse is one of my top priorities. The responses from this survey will not only help West Midlands Police with their work, but I will also use the views collected as I form my Police and Crime Plan.

"Protecting victims of crime and making sure that the right support is out there is something I will be focusing on during my time in office. We have a real opportunity to make a difference. 

“I want the West Midlands to be a place where women and girls can live without fear of abuse, in all its forms. That is why I want to hear about personal experiences so we can get a better understanding of what needs to be done to make them feel safer."

Details of services and help available, even if you haven’t reported via the police, can be found on the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner's website.