Catcalling making Cheltenham women feel unsafe
Women say catcalling in the town is making them feel uncomfortable at night.
A survey being carried out by Cheltenham Borough Council has found an increase in catcalling in Cheltenham.
The annual survey aims to understand women's experiences in the area to put policies in place to help allow women to feel safe.
Councillor Flo Clucas said she's concerned by the number of women experiencing catcalling.
She said: "One of the things that has concerned us this year is how much catcalling is infringing on the lives of women.
"They are feeling it really as a threat."
Cllr Clucas believes work needs to be done with children in schools to prevent catcalling becoming normalised.
"One of the things we want to do is training in schools.
"Unfortunately when boys become 16, 17, or older, it's already something they do.
"They think it's fun so they have to be taught it's not fun
"The only way to do that is to get into schools early and begin the process of change."
Findings from the survey in previous years have helped to improve lighting at night, pay for more CCTV cameras, and teach people how to use bystander intervention.
Cllr Clucas explains this helps people to intervene when a women is clearly distressed.
She said: "I think if there are other people around who understand the impact of catcalling they should say to the women, it's ok, we're here."
The survey is running on the Cheltenham Borough Council website until 31 January.