35 digital billboards installed on Cardiff's streets to help keep women safe
The boards will help direct women to safe spaces during freshers' fortnight
A number of digital billboards have been put in place around Cardiff to help illuminate dark streets and make women feel safer during freshers' fortnight.
The billboards can be found on streets from 21 September - 4 October, so that female students who are new to the area will feel safer at night.
The campaign comes after a recent report which found that 80% of UK women revealed they had been sexually harassed in public.
The digital screens come as part of the new initiative 'FOR a Safer Cardiff', which is working with local stores and businesses in the area to provide safe spaces for women out in the city.
A QR code at the bottom of the billboards links to a Safe Places app, which will direct users to their nearest 'safe space', where they can seek indoor shelter should they feel in danger.
John Lewis and Holiday Inn are among some of the businesses providing a safe space for women, and are part of around 22 registered safe spaces in the city centre.
Though the digital billboards will only remain for freshers' fortnight, the safe spaces scheme will run beyond 4th October and business can continue to apply through the FOR A Safer Cardiff Website.
Businesses which do sign up to become safe spaces will receive support and training to ensure staff members can handle difficult situations.
The initiative was first put into planning when The Angel Hotel in Cardiff announced it would open its doors to anyone seeking refuge, following the death of Sarah Everard in March 2021.
Adrian Field, Executive Director of FOR Cardiff said: “Our ambition is to make Cardiff a city where women feel confident and welcome when walking through the capital, night or day.
With Cardiff’s businesses registering to be a Safe Place, we can create a safe and welcoming environment for all who live, work or visit Cardiff city centre.”