Reading Council highlights safety measures for White Ribbon Day

Reading Borough Council is promoting its commitment to improving town centre safety and preventing violence against women and girls as part of White Ribbon Day.

The annual campaign encourages everyone—especially men—to use their voices to create a world where people are safe, equal, and respected, helping to end violence against women and girls.

The Council has implemented a range of measures aimed at town centre safety and support for women experiencing domestic abuse.

These include:

• Commissioning Berkshire Women’s Aid to provide a helpline, refuge spaces, domestic violence advocates, and an outreach worker
• Supporting the Reading Safe Space, located on Chain Street near Bill’s Restaurant, run by Street Pastors to offer help for anyone who feels unsafe, separated from friends, or unwell
• Daily checks carried out by the Council’s Licensing team to ensure taxis are licensed, have valid IDs and paperwork, and are roadworthy
• Investing in CCTV monitored 24 hours a day, connected directly to Thames Valley Police

In addition, a social media campaign running from White Ribbon Day will highlight contributions from the Council’s partners:

• Thames Valley Police’s work with Reading’s night-time venues, including bystander training, licensing checks, and predatory behaviour monitoring through Operation Vigilant
• Availability of drink spiking test kits, provided by Reading BID to venues, which allow individuals to verify the safety of their drinks
• Promoting schemes like Ask for Angela, where women feeling unsafe on a night out can discreetly ask bar staff for help. Many venues are also increasing the number of female door supervisors to reassure and support women

The Council is encouraging anyone experiencing domestic violence or needing support to contact Berkshire Women’s Aid.

The service offers refuge spaces and a helpline at 0808 801 0882 and is dedicated to supporting survivors and those grappling with domestic abuse.

Anyone in immediate danger should contact the police by calling 999.

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