VRP focus - safety of women and girls

Tackling violence against women and girls, creating an environment where women and girls can feel safe and be safe is a key priority of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) which is overseen by the Mayor.

Key pieces of work on this theme from partnerships with the VRP can be seen below. You can also contact the VRP via email at VRU@westyorks-ca.gov.uk.

Mayor of West Yorkshire's 'Just Don't' Campaign

86% of young women in the UK have experienced sexual harassment in public.

In a powerful new video launched during a Violence against Women and Girls action week, the Mayor is urging everybody in the region to be an ally, step up, call it out and help stop it.

 The key message is “Just Don’t”, with the video calling on men and boys to reflect on their own behaviour as well as that of their friends and family.

Violence Against Women and Girls Report
This report aims to provide an insight into the causes and impacts of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) as understood in current literature and service provision whilst identifying the needs of women and girls in West Yorkshire. Download the Violence Against Women and Girls Report

West Yorkshire Playwright Turning Words into Action Against CSE
The renowned West Yorkshire playwright John Godber wrote and produced a short film entitled ‘Not Round Here’ in a bid to combat the scourge of child criminal exploitation (CCE). Read the news article

Smart Tag Launches Across West Yorkshire’s Bars and Clubs
Over 100 security staff in bars and clubs across the county have been equipped with an innovative forensic spray, designed to increase nightlife safety. The VRP funded a 3-year membership for venues to use the SmartTag handheld tool, developed by the SmartWater Group. SmartTag uses a pressurised canister to deploy a stream of SmartWater forensic liquid to tag an offender with a unique forensic code. This can be used by the police to link back to a specific criminal incident. Read the news article

West Yorkshire Partnership Paving the Way for Trauma Informed Action
Three high profile reports have been published, which will help tackle root causes of adversity, trauma and serious violence across West Yorkshire. The reports have a specific focus on inequality, as well as women and girls. Each will underpin future partnership strategy for a ‘trauma informed’ response. This approach offers an awareness of the effects of trauma, placing it at the forefront of support. Read the news article

VRP Supporting Night Life Safety
The VRP helped to keep revellers safe across the county’s night-time economy. It funded the deployment of a St John Ambulance mobile treatment centre in Leeds City Centre which operated over weekends in Winter 2021. It offered first aid, care, and a place of safety to people socialising throughout the evening and early hours of the morning, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. Read the news article

Pioneering Initiative Improving Night Life Safety
A pioneering licensing initiative to improve the safety and security of bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels been launched across West Yorkshire. Funded by the VRP, it is being delivered in partnership with West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership. A total of 300 specially selected licensed premises across Bradford, Calderdale, Wakefield and Kirklees are being invited to take part in the scheme, which encourages venues to improve their operational security and management practices year on year. Read the news article