Public consultation on unsafe areas for women in Kent

The public has been asked to identify areas in west Kent where women and girls feel particularly unsafe.

Three councils have joined forces in an attempt to tackle violence against women and girls.

In a joint statement, Sevenoaks District Council, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said the harm caused to victims and society by such violence was "immeasurable".

A consultation closes on 7 January.

As part of the project, the local authorities have teamed up with police and the county council to ask for residents' views on how safe they feel in public spaces and to share their experiences.

Feedback will be used to identify what the main issues are in each area and to develop initiatives to strengthen community safety.

Violence against women and girls includes, but is not limited to, harassment, stalking, rape, sexual assault, murder, honour-based abuse and coercive control, the councils said.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council's cabinet member for community services Des Keers said that while men and boys suffer from these forms of abuse, they disproportionately affect women.

"This initiative will help us understand where the issues lie and help us tackle them so women and girls can feel safe in our community," he said.

Sevenoaks District Council's cabinet member for people and places, Lesley Dyball, added: "We urge any residents who have any thoughts to let us know via the consultation before 7 January."

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