Women in Frome are being encouraged to take part in an ongoing scheme to show local police officers where they feel unsafe in the town.
The Walk and Talk scheme, which was launched across East Somerset last year, has already held over 30 sessions, including several in Frome, where women have been able to walk with local police officers and highlight areas where they feel unsafe.
“As a result of these sessions, we have been able to target high-visibility patrols in areas where women have told us they feel unsafe, as well as work with local authority partners to highlight any issues with street lighting,” explained a representative of Avon and Somerset Police who is running the initiative, Roseanna Green.
Women over the age of 18 who live or work in Frome or the wider Avon and Somerset area can book Walk and Talk sessions at any time, as the scheme is ongoing. The sessions provide an opportunity for police officers to share safety advice and answer any questions. “In some cases, officers have also given out personal attack alarms,” says Roseanna.
Following a series of focus groups held earlier this year with girls aged 12 to 18, Avon and Somerset Police are also in the process of setting up bespoke Youth Walk and Talks with schools. These sessions will allow girls under 18 to walk with officers along their school routes and discuss any concerns they may have.
An initial trial will take place with schools in the region in the coming months, with more details to be announced once the trial is completed.
“Walk and Talks are just one of a number of initiatives that are helping us to increase trust and confidence with our communities,” says Roseanna. “Our goal is to ensure that women and girls can live free from fear, harassment, and violence.”
Frome Town Councillor Fiona Barrows has championed the scheme and encouraged local women to take part. She said, “Violence against women and girls is sadly far from a new problem, but in recent years we have seen an increase in reported offences, plus some horrendous high-profile incidents which have damaged trust in the police. We have also seen an increase in misogynistic content online and I know I am not alone in feeling increasingly conscious of my safety.
“We heard from a group of Frome College students at a council meeting a few months ago and they told us that there are times and places where they don’t feel safe – that is unacceptable. Everyone has the right to walk around Frome, their home town, feeling safe. As part of my work as a town councillor, I met with our lead police community support officer recently, and I know they are keen to hear from women about areas where they feel unsafe. I welcome the work of Crimestoppers in Frome to make reporting crime easier and less risky, and I really encourage women and girls in Frome to take advantage of the walk and talk scheme: it is great to hear it may be extended to under 18s.”
