New online map aimed at tackling violence against women allows you to report unsafe areas to police

A new tool has been launched that will allow women to anonymously report unsafe local areas to police. The online map, developed by StreetSafe, is aimed at tackling violence against women.

Using the tool, women will be able to easily report places of concern, including poorly lit streets, or areas they have experienced harassment. In their report, users will be asked why the area feels unsafe, whether an incident has occurred there and why it hasn't been reported to the police. There will also be questions about age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and disabilities.

The data collected by the map will be used to make areas safer, such as increased night-time policing or better street lights.

The launch comes after the death of Sarah Everard, who was kidnapped and murdered earlier this year as she walked home from a friend's house. Her death highlighted the dangers women face on a daily basis, especially when out and about alone.

Sarah Everard was murdered by PC Wayne Couzens in March 2021.

Speaking about the new tool, Safeguarding Minister Victoria Atkins said: "No one should fear walking the streets, but for too many women and girls, the threat of intimidation and harassment whilst going about their everyday lives is all too familiar."

In 2019, Cosmopolitan UK reported that one in three readers have been thrown out of clubs by themselves when drunk and that 57% felt unsafe on their way home.

Atkins added, "StreetSafe allows the public to flag concerns directly to police, ensuring that those responsible for making our streets safer use the data to improve safety and understand how local areas can better respond."

But, the police have warned the public that the tool is not an alternative to reporting serious incidents, but rather is a way to raise concerns regardless of whether an actual crime has been committed. The police encourage anyone who has been a victim of an incident to make a formal police report, as the new tool is anonymous and police are unable to take action on individual incidents logged on the online map.

During the three month trial period, the online map will be available on the national policing website.

Jade Biggs

Freelance Writer

Jade Biggs (she/her) is one of Cosmopolitan UK's freelance writers, working across all sections including entertainment, beauty, body, and sex and relationships. She previously held the position of Features Writer, covering everything from breaking news and the latest royal gossip, to the health and fitness trends taking over your TikTok feed. Jade has a degree in journalism and has been a journalist and content editor for ten years, interviewing leading researchers, high-profile influencers, and industry experts in that time. She is a cat mom to four fur babies and is obsessed with Drag Race, bottomless brunches, and wearing clothes only suitable for Bratz dolls. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.