PCC weekly highlights: Listening to community, antisocial behaviour and road safety concerns
Last week (25th November to 1st December) Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody attended eight public facing events and meetings, including events organised as part of the 16 Days of Activism to end Male Violence Against Women and Girls (MVAWG), road safety related events and community events.
On Monday, to mark the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Clare joined over 40 Soroptimists from the region in a march through Weston-super-Mare, where Clare tied an orange ribbon to symbolise the lives of women and girls lost to male violence.
Candlelit vigil
Clare also joined people across Bristol for a candlelit vigil organised by Nextlink, where everyone came together to hear survivor voices, raise awareness of the impact of violence against women and girls, and shine a light on specialist support services available.
Nextlink provide a range of domestic abuse support services to women, men and children.
Clare spoke at both events, where she said: “One in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their life. There is no excuse for this happening.
“Preventing male violence against women and girls is at the heart of my Police and Crime Plan. It starts with education; community action and it is about holding perpetrators to account.”
Community issues in South Gloucestershire
Clare met with leaders from across South Gloucestershire Council at Police Headquarters in Portishead where they discussed resourcing pressures, road safety concerns among other issues and how they can work together to address the issues.
Brislington issues highlighted
Clare joined the Neighbourhood Police Team at Brislington Community Residents Meeting held at St Peters Methodist Church Hall, organised by Brislington East Councillors Tim Rippington and Katja Hornchen. Clare talked about her role and Police and Crime Plan priorities.
This was followed by a question-and-answer session where residents raised concerns about antisocial behaviour and road safety such as zig zag parking and speeding, shop lifting, and bad lighting which is an issue for the Council. Clare encouraged residents to continue reporting crime incidents to the police through 101, online or through Crime stoppers.
Convening a Road Safety Forum
Clare, together with Avon and Somerset Police (ASP), convened a Road Safety Forum in Bristol, to hear from 55 people who are affected by road safety issues, such as key partners, police, fire and rescue services, local authorities, vulnerable groups, Community Speed Watch volunteers and victims. Clare confirmed that road safety falls within preventing crime, one of her Police and Crime Plan priorities. Chief Inspector Rob Cheeseman, Head of Roads Policing outlined the vision of the three-year ASP strategic plan.
Rob said the Forum was organised to explore ideas on how to police our roads together, specifically looking at ways to prevent harm and save lives, tackle crime, drive technology and innovation and change minds. People agreed to hold regular Forums, the next one will be in Somerset.
During the week, Clare also attended the annual Special Constabulary Conference, Crimestoppers annual dinner and the MTM awards in Bristol, which celebrate the work and contributions of the many diverse communities and individuals across the region.