Two new ‘safe havens’ have been set-up in an area of North London after a reported ‘horrendous attack’ on a 13-year-old girl earlier this year. The council has also been working alongside the local policing teams to ensure ‘high levels of visibility’ in the area in order to make women and girls feel more safe.
The police have undertaken significant community engagement to reassure local residents following a reported sexual assault on a young girl on Springway, in the Honeybun Estate, on April 19. It prompted officers to carry out an Environmental Visual Audit (EVA) so a strategy can be developed to better prevent violence against women and young girls.
Harrow Council has since opened a number of ‘safe havens’ in the borough, where local businesses and public buildings provide a safe space to support women and girls who feel scared, harassed, or threatened. Addressing a recent Full Council meeting (November 28), Cllr Asif Hussain asked what more the council will do to protect vulnerable residents, ‘especially during these early winter months’, following the ‘horrendous attack’ in April.
Portfolio Holder for Cleaner Streets and Public Safety, Cllr Pritesh Patel, responded by saying: “Council officers have been working very closely with out local policing teams to ensure high levels of police visibility in the area, as well as working in partnership with the housing provider in the estate.”
He added: “The council has now received the EVA that took place very recently to address the recommendations that have been highlighted by police in the area.”
Cllr Patel also pointed to the two new ‘safe havens’ that have been launched in Springway to try and ‘eliminate the fear that women and girls are feeling’. It means there are now 14 such locations around the borough, including at fire stations, libraries, and local cafes – which are all staffed by trained individuals ready to assist anyone feeling unsafe.
‘Safe Havens’ offer temporary refuge within the community for people to get help and support for their onward journey. Whilst primarily aimed at women and girls, they are available to anyone who may need help. Each location is marked with a sticker on its window to make it easily identifiable.
In a first for London, both Stanmore Fire Station and Harrow Fire Station have joined the scheme. Borough Commander for Harrow, Simon Horn, said: “Harrow Borough London Fire Brigade is proud to support the Safe Haven initiative. Working in partnership with this scheme enables us to contribute to the safety of our community, particularly women and girls, who have been identified as needing this support.”
Following the assault in April, police officers noted that the cordon and ongoing police presence in Springway had ‘raised concerns’ with many residents and neighbours.
Cllr Patel said: “No one should feel vulnerable or unsafe on our streets. That’s why we are committed to protecting women and girls. We want people to not only be safe but feel safe in Harrow. The launch of our Safe Havens initiative is one of many ways we are supporting those who may be facing harassment or in need of help. I’d like to thank those taking part in the scheme and opening their doors to those who will need support.”
Grant Williams is a journalist and Local Democracy Reporter (LDR) for Reach PLC, reporting on local government, politics and community issues across London. As part of the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he has contributed to Harrow Online, covering council decisions, housing developments, transport, planning matters and stories affecting local communities across Harrow and Brent.
