A consultation has been launched by Tendring District Council (TDC) to support the development of a Women’s Safety Charter for the district.

The aim is to gather the views of residents and visitors of all genders to identify what makes them feel unsafe when out and about in Tendring.

TDC is working with women’s safety consultant Karen Whybro, who has supported similar projects for Basildon and Colchester councils, to use such data to create a Women’s Safety Charter.

The charter will help TDC to reinforce its message that behaviours which make women and girls feel unsafe in the district will not be tolerated.

This includes low-level behaviours, which are often explained as being harmless, but make women feel uncomfortable.

Local businesses and organisations will be encouraged to pledge to prioritise women’s safety by ensuring their space is a safe, respectful, and inclusive place to be, with training made available to staff members.

The project is funded by the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner’s Safer Streets fund.

Peter Kotz, TDC’s Cabinet Member responsible for community safety, welcomed the opportunity to improve safety and experiences of women and girls in Tendring.

“We work closely with the Tendring Community Safety Partnership to ensure the district is a safe place for people to live, work and visit,” said Councillor Kotz.

“As part of Our Vision, the council’s corporate plan, we are committed to working with our partners to improve quality of life for our residents by tackling crime and disorder and creating a safe environment where communities can feel safe, including for women and girls.”

“I would like to encourage residents, businesses and visitors to the area, to complete the survey so we can incorporate your experiences into the charter and address the behaviours women are facing.”

You can share your feelings on safety in the district until Tuesday, 22 April 2025.

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