Women’s Safety Session Offers Essential Advice

Coordinator Community Safety and Crime Prevention Tanya van Sittert said women who attended the session would gain personal safety advice for use both at home and out in the community. “A female police officer from the Palmyra Police Station will be presenting advice for women including: being careful in public places; staying safe in taxis; and general safety tips,” she said. “A representative from the Public Transport Authority will also present information including: how to stay safer on public transport and when waiting at bus stops and train stations; what to do if you feel unsafe; the role of transit guards; and the importance of journey planning.”

“The Women’s Safety Session, which is part of the Safer Melville 2008-2012 Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan, was initially sparked by consultation with local women to determine their perceptions and experience of crime and safety in the City of Melville. The City received a grant from the Office of Crime Prevention, part of which was used to commission a consultant who administered the audit via a telephone survey in April 2009. Of those who had felt unsafe, personal safety when alone at night, in public places, and on public transport emerged as a common theme and there was strong interest in attending community education forums on these topics,” she said.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said the Women’s Safety Session was part of the City’s shared vision to achieve a Safer Melville. “Through community initiatives like this, the City aims to increase awareness of personal safety and to equip women with information and tips to feel safer,” he said. “I encourage women of all ages to come along to this free event. It’s a great chance to gain valuable information from some very knowledgeable speakers. All women who attend will receive a free personal panic alarm, as well as a variety of safety and crime prevention materials and resources,” he said.

The Women’s Safety Session will be held at the City of Melville Civic Centre Conference Room, 10 Almondbury Road, Booragoon. Light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP on phone 1300 635 845 for catering purposes by Thursday, 27 August 2009.