Lancashire Police's new survey to help better protect women and girls
Some of the results may make for difficult police reading
Lancashire Police have launched a new survey, which they’re hoping will teach them more about how they can do a better job of protecting women.
The 'Your Voice Matters' initiative was launched by the Constabulary today after reports of a series of high-profile cases across the country where women have been let down by police.
Detective Superintendent Neil Drummond is one of the people behind the new initiative, and hopes that it will lead to more affective policing for women and girls in Lancashire.
"This survey really aims to seek the voice of our community, so that we can better police Lancashire and keep our women and girls across Lancashire feeling safe when they are living and working within the county", said the Detective Superintendent.
"What we'd like to do as part of our Violence and Intimidation Against Women and Girls strategy is really understand the issues that affect women and girls across Lancashire. We want to get the voice of our community. We, as a police force, will not tolerate violence against women and girls."
"We're open to whatever comes with the survey"
The anonymous results of the survey will be collated and assessed by The University of Central Lancashire, who’ll then advise police on where they might be able to improve.
The Lancashire Superintendent has admitted that some the results of the survey may make for uncomfortable reading for police…
"We're open to whatever comes with the survey, and we are clear that there may be some elements of the survey results that are not particularly comfortable. If there are areas in the county where our committee feel really unsafe, we need that open, honest communication and information to allow us to provide a better service.
"This is just one way of us reaching out to understand the issues more deeply. What this survey will do is that we work in collaboration with our partners at UCLAN, and they will analyse the results of the survey and give us an indication on ways we can improve our policing service.
"We know that there is a disproportionate number of women and girls that are affected by violence, intimidation and abuse. We will always work hard to understand these issues and encourage people to report those offences and those feelings to us.
Where can I access the survey?
The 'Your Voice Matters' campaign is for women and girls aged 13+ who live in Lancashire, including Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen.
The survey can be accessed here from today (17 November) until noon on Friday 10th December.