Safe havens target harassment hotspot areas along Lambeth and Southwark border to provide assistance to women who feel unsafe or have been harassed.

Staff at the 40 licensed premises and other businesses in both boroughs undergo bespoke training with the Safer Business Network, a crime reduction agency.

Lambeth and Southwark councils’ safe haven network is the first of its kind in London to cross borough boundaries in a joint bid to deter perpetrators from harassing women and girls.

Safer Business Network said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have worked with London Borough of Lambeth & Southwark Council on this incredible project as part of UK Home Office Safer Streets funding.

“Together we have rolled out 40 Safe Havens & trained 250 people across a wide range of businesses & are already seeing the impact.”

The scheme was designed specifically around women and girl’s safety, but safe havens are open to support anyone who is feeling vulnerable or needs help.

Cllr Mahamed Hashi, Lambeth Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “Women and girls face on-street harassment and abuse regardless of where borough borders start and stop. The safety of women and girls is an issue we must tackle together, and the opening of our Safe Havens is another measure put in place to help support those who may be facing harassment or in need of help.

“The launch of our safe havens follows a programme of practical interventions we have established to deter perpetrators from harassing women and girls, such as dedicated street wardens and increased CCTV. We will continue to work together to prevent problem behaviours and support those affected by harassment and abuse.”

For more information visit the website.

You can see the list of safe haven locations below: