Leeds steps up safety measures for women on the streets

Walk and Talk pilots and street marshals aim to make public spaces in Leeds safer for women and girls.

Transcript

00:00In Leeds, only about 7% of people think wolf whistling should be treated as a crime.

00:0635% believe those who keep talking after being told to stop should face prosecution,

00:12while 59% back action against anyone blocking another person's way.

00:17West Yorkshire Police have added patrols around the city centre,

00:21Headingley and along canal routes used by runners.

00:24Local safety groups have pushed for better lighting near Hyde Park and train stations,

00:28saying harassment discourages women from exercising outdoors.

00:33A pilot scheme elsewhere showed how quickly undercover officers encountered abuse.

00:38Campaigners in Leeds believe education for young people,

00:41and community outreach could prevent low-level harassment before it escalates.

00:45Others say new laws defining street harassment more clearly would give police greater powers.

00:51Authorities and community groups continue to work together to ensure women and girls

00:55can feel safe while exercising and moving around their local areas.

00:59Music

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