Drop-in event focuses on women's safety in city

The event will examine the safety of women and girls in Bradford city centre

Women and girls have been invited to a drop-in event in Bradford to share their views on safety in the city centre and local parks.

Participants' views would be used to help shape research on service provision for vulnerable groups in contact with the police, organisers said.

The event, due to be held on Tuesday, will be led by researchers from the University of Leeds and the University of York, who have worked with local partners, including the Women and Girls Lead for Bradford Council.

Kamran Hussain, Bradford Council's executive member for neighbourhoods and community safety, said: "I would urge women and girls to come along to the event and share their views."

He added: "Keeping all residents safe is an important priority for the council and it is important that future work reflects the reality experienced by local people.

"Only by working together can we plan and work towards a safer district for everyone."

'Tackling violence'

The event would be held between 12:30 GMT and 15:00 GMT at The Broadway, organisers said.

It follows further attempts by West Yorkshire Police to crack down on harassment of women in Bradford.

In March, the force launched a campaign in which female police officers posed as runners as part of a crackdown on strangers catcalling women who were out exercising in the city.

Speaking at the time the campaign was launched, Supt Beth Pagnillo said women should be able to "run freely without being concerned".

However, she added that she had been subjected to "cars slowing down, men beeping their horns and comments being shouted out of the window" when out running.

A new unit was also set up by the force to help tackle violence against women and girls and improve outcomes for victims in sex cases.

Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said West Yorkshire was "leading the way in tackling violence against women and girls".

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