Hendon Town Hall has been lit orange as part of a London-wide memorial to Sarah Everard and to highlight the action being taken to tackle violence against women.
Hendon Town Hall has been lit orange as part of a London-wide memorial to Sarah Everard and to highlight the action being taken to tackle violence against women.
Barnet Council joined other London local authorities in the tribute, choosing the colour orange for its symbolic association with the UN’s campaign Unite to End Violence Against Women.
The shocking and tragic murder of Sarah Everard has concentrated public and political attention on tackling violence against women and girls. Cllr Roberto Weeden-Sanz, Chairman of the Barnet Safer Communities Partnership Board, said: “We stand for Sarah Everard and all the women who are victims of male violence. Her tragic murder has focused public attention on the unacceptable ever-present threat to the safety and wellbeing of women and girls.
“While Barnet has the second lowest rate of domestic abuse reports among all London boroughs we will continue to work tirelessly to make Barnet a safe home for every woman and girl who lives, works and studies here. Violence simply has no place in our community.
“The council and the local organisations it partners with will redouble our efforts to prevent violence, improve outcomes for victims and their children, and hold perpetrators to account. Today Sarah Everard stands for all women and we must channel our tears and outrage at her murder into real world action to make every woman and girl safer.”
Barnet Council’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy sets out how the council is working with local organisations and the police to prevent violence against women, supporting those affected, and making our streets safe for all women and girls.
The council’s steps aim at changing attitudes and behaviour that foster violence against women and girls, improving the environment to make it safer for women and girls, and by intervening earlier.
Actions over the past three years include VAWG training for council frontline staff, a healthy relationships programme, and providing Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy. Barnet Council also commissions Solace Women’s Aid to provide two women’s refuges. A third refuge is managed by Barnet Homes.
If you or someone you know is at risk of violence there is support available. Visit here for more information: www.barnet.gov.uk/community/community-safety/help-and-support-domestic-or-sexual-abuse