12 Oct Safer Business Network welcomes key role in Mayor’s new strategy to tackle violence against women and girls

Safer Business Network has welcomed the Mayor of London’s new strategy to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG), which identifies the organisation as a key partner in mobilising London’s businesses to help make the capital safer for women and girls.

The new A Safer City for All Women and Girls: Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2026–29 puts prevention and partnership at the heart of London’s approach and says preventing and reducing VAWG must be “everyone’s business”.

As part of its commitment to making public spaces safer, the strategy specifically names Safer Business Network, stating that the Mayor will work with the organisation to continue expanding the Women’s Night Safety Charter. It also commits MOPAC and the Violence Reduction Unit to bringing together policing, transport, local authorities, health, businesses and other partners to embed a long-term, cross-sector VAWG Prevention Plan.

The recognition comes as MOPAC has funded Safer Business Network to deliver the Women’s Night Safety Charter for a further three years.

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said: “The Women’s Night Safety Charter is a crucial part of the Mayor’s new Violence Against Women and Girls strategy and improving the experience of women and girls when they’re out and about enjoying our city. With more than 3,500 signatories including shops, restaurants, nightclubs and football clubs, more venues than ever are committed to the same goal: a safer London for women and girls.

“At City Hall we continue to do everything in our power to tackle violence against women and girls and since 2016, the Mayor has overseen a record £318m investment in prevention, intervention and victims support services. This includes a new first of its kind fund that will see us working with women and girls to help transform their local public spaces and improve safety across our capital at all times of the day, building a safer London for everyone.”

The network also supports the development of Safe Havens across London, providing places where people who feel unsafe or vulnerable can seek temporary refuge and support to continue their journey safely. Safe Havens are an important example of how businesses and organisations can play a practical role in creating safer, more connected communities.

Hannah Wadey, CEO of Safer Business Network, said: “We welcome this strategy and its recognition that preventing violence against women and girls requires all of us to play a part.

“Businesses are at the heart of London’s communities. Their staff interact with millions of people every day and they can play an incredibly important role in recognising vulnerability, preventing harm and providing somewhere safe when someone needs help.

“Being specifically named in the strategy demonstrates the important role Safer Business Network can play in connecting businesses with the Mayor, police, local authorities and other partners and turning London’s VAWG ambitions into practical action.

“With MOPAC’s support for the next three years and more than 3,500 organisations already signed up to the Women’s Night Safety Charter, we have a strong foundation. Our ambition now is to build on it and make women’s safety part of everyday business practice across the capital.”

The Women’s Night Safety Charter is one part of Safer Business Network’s growing work to help businesses prevent violence against women and girls. They also operate the nationally renowned Ask for Angela campaign which gives individuals a discreet way to seek help in potentially dangerous situations and help victims get away from potential offenders.

In addition the Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) initiative provides essential training for businesses, venues, and frontline staff on how to recognise and respond to vulnerable individuals.

They have also recently launched STAND:UP VR, the first-of-its-kind immersive VR training tool to tackle violence against women and girls and those that find themselves vulnerable.

Safer Business Network also provides vulnerability and safeguarding training and works with businesses, Business Improvement Districts, police, local authorities and other partners to develop practical approaches to creating safer places.

Over the next three years, Safer Business Network will continue to grow the Charter while working with businesses, BIDs, venues and partners to turn commitments into practical action. Find out more about the work of Safer Business Network here: https://saferbusiness.org.uk/