Cash boost to enhance protection of women and girls in Derbyshire

Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster has welcomed news of a £550k cash injection to improve safety for women and girls in the county.

Following endorsement from the Police & Crime Commissioner, Derby City Council has been awarded the maximum grant available in the third round of the Home Office's Safer Streets Fund.

The cash will be invested in a series of physical improvements including new CCTV cameras and additional lighting to reduce vulnerability and the risk of violence, particularly for women and girls, although the investment will only cover areas of Derby City Centre and suburbs.

Commenting on the announcement, Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster said: "This funding will not only give women and girls' greater confidence when accessing popular public spaces, it will also help to deter crime from happening in the first place – potentially saving lives.

"For too long, women have shouldered the responsibility for keeping safe, changing their lives, behaviour and routines to avoid becoming a victim of crime. The balance must be redressed to make the ability to offend – and get away with it – much more difficult.

"These simple changes will give women and girls greater freedom to enjoy the things they love. It will also expand the availability of support and a place of sanctuary when they feel under threat or at risk.

"There is much more work to do, which is why I am prioritising the safety of those at risk of violence and sexual violence in my future plans for Derbyshire. Together with our partners, we will continue to fight for the funding and resources to make a difference."

Nationally, the Government is allocating £25m to PCCs across England and Wales to tackle street safety and reduce violence against women and girls in public spaces.