Decision

To formally approve that Tendring District Council signs-up to the Women’s Safety Charter.

Reasons for the decision

The Tendring District Women’s Safety Charter is a preventative, community safety initiative designed to improve how safe women and girls feel in public spaces.

Safety Charters have been introduced in several areas of the UK since 2021, many with an initial focus on the night-time economy. Tendring’s Charter takes a broader approach by recognising the needs of women and girls living, working and travelling in more rural communities.

For the year ending December 2025, 3,529 VAWG offences were recorded by police in Tendring District. Of these, 328 occurred in public spaces. Police data shows a reduction in these offences over the previous 12 months; however, recorded crime only reflects incidents reported to the police.

In 2024/25, Tendring District recorded 4,931 VAWG offences, including domestic abuse. It is also recognised that police-recorded data does not capture the full prevalence of violence against women and girls, as these offences are significantly underreported across the UK.

A Women’s Safety Charter depends on collaboration and commitment from a wide range of partners. Its aims must be shared across the District and delivered in partnership with local community groups, policing teams, education providers, leisure facilities, retail settings and other relevant organisations.

Alternative options considered

Taking no action to roll out the Women’s Safety Charter would mean that the Council and the Community Safety Partnership do not support the Government’s plan to tackle violence against women and girls, or the priorities of both the Council and the Community Safety Partnership. Not supporting this work would therefore be inconsistent with the current priorities of both the Council and the Community Safety Partnership.