Sutton Council has pledged its commitment to making the borough a safer and more welcoming place for women and girls, with the Council’s signing of the Women’s Night Safety Charter.

The Charter, which is led by the Mayor of London’s Night Czar Amy Lamé, includes seven pledges based around reporting, responding, taking responsibility and redesigning public spaces.

A YouGov poll of 2,013 adults aged between 18 and 24 found that 72% said they had seen some form of sexual harassment and a shocking 79% of women said they expected inappropriate comments, touching and behaviour on a night out toward them or their friends.

Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council, has agreed to take on the role of Champion, fulfilling the first of the Council’s seven Pledges, saying: “We believe every woman has the right to feel safe. Every woman has a different experience of unacceptable behaviour towards them, in everyday situations from just walking down the street, or going on a night out. The Women’s Night Safety Charter will focus us on ensuring that we live up to those seven pledges, helping to make Sutton a safer place after dark for everyone, women and men alike.

“We will be working alongside our partners in Sutton Police, to talk to all businesses and venues in Sutton that are open in the evening, to encourage them to sign up to the Charter themselves, and talk to them about ensuring their staff are trained to support anyone who asks them for assistance.”

Sutton Council will, in the coming months, be consulting on changes to its Licensing Policy to include specific guidance for applicants on safeguards, to mitigate against sexual harassment of women in licensed venues.

Find out more about the Women’s Night Safety Charter, where businesses can sign themselves up to be added to it.