News on Lambeth Safer Streets

As part of the 16 Days of Action against Gender-Based Violencespecialist Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) staff from Lambeth Council have joined up with partners to promote women’s safety on our streets.

Operation Vigilant

Our Violence Against Women and Girls and Antisocial Behaviour wardens have joined forces with local police to target predatory offenders in our night-time economy. A team made up of uniformed and plain clothes officers, alongside our warden staff, conducted a joint patrol of the Clapham High Street area across a busy weekend period.

The team engaged with local venues and used expert tactics to identify and disrupt predatory offending behaviour in public spaces. The team were able to conduct multiple stops, including of males who had been approaching women in the street.

Women have the right to go out without facing sexual harassment and violence. Our warden team are pleased to have been able to participate in this important work to disrupt violence against women in our public spaces.

Tackling Sexual Exploitation

Earlier this VAWG officers from Lambeth’s Safer Communities team patrolled the Brixton area alongside police and agencies working to support rough sleepers. The team identified and engaged with vulnerable women at risk of sexual exploitation, exploring options to promote their safety and wellbeing.

The team will now follow up to ensure that appropriate support is offered from specialist agencies. For example, via our Sexual Exploitation and Harm panel which created safety and support plans for victims and survivors, as well as holding perpetrators to account.

We are committed to working with our partners to ensure that Lambeth is a borough where everyone is safe. You can read more about our work in our Lambeth Made Safer Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2021-27or via our VAWG Webpages