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Community Support
by 55 North
WOMEN’S SAFETY NIGHT CHARTER
Local stores pledge their support
The charter includes pledges and practical steps that businesses can take to help women to feel safer at night.
The Association of Convenience Stores has signed up to the Women’s Safety Night Charter, reflecting its members’ commitment to ensuring the safety of people entering their stores.
The Night Charter has been created by the London Assembly and Mayor of London to help women feel welcome and confident in their local areas at night. The charter is part of the Mayor’s Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy and London’s commitment to the UN Women Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces global initiative.
The charter includes pledges and practical steps that businesses can take to help women to feel safer at night, including:
● Say hello to everyone who comesinto store
● Keep your store well-lit into theevening
● Engage with your community onsocial media
● Be aware of helpline numbers.
ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman, said: “Around one-third of convenience stores are open after 10pm when it is dark and the surrounding area is at its quietest. Through taking a few simple steps, local shops can contribute to helping women to feel safer at night.”
Rita King, Joint Chief Executive of Safer Business Network, added: “Local shops play a vital role in their communities and are well placed to offer assistance to women who may be feeling vulnerable. We hope that many stores all over London will engage positively to help keep women safe at night.”
ACS has developed a graphic highlighting four simple and practical steps that retailers can take to help people feel safer at night.
The Women’s Night Safety Charter is a London-based initiative, but local shops in all areas are being encouraged to consider these steps to make streets safer at night in their communities.
Individual businesses can sign up to the charter here if they are in London.
