Women’s Personal Safety Session a Success

Coordinator Community Safety and Crime Prevention, Tanya van Sittert said the session was well-received by attendees, who were from various age groups and demographics within the City. “All attendees were provided with a personal panic alarm, as well as the City’s Safety and Security booklet with information and tips on safety and security. The session included Palmyra Police Station Constable Claire Price providing advice for women on: being careful in public places; staying safe in taxis; and general safety tips. Transperth Education Officer Carol-Ann Prinsloo also discussed: the perception of safety on public transport; how to stay safer on public transport and when waiting at bus stops and train stations; and what to do if you do feel unsafe,” she said.

“Feedback from evaluation forms completed on the night indicated the attendees found the information presented relevant and useful to them, and that they would recommend the session to other people. There was also strong interest expressed in attending more sessions on a variety of safety and crime prevention topics. In fact, the City received such a huge response to this initial session that a second session – to be held in the near future – is already booked out,” she said.

“The session – part of the City’s 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. The City of Melville received a grant from the Office of Crime Prevention, part of which was used to commission a consultant to administer 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, through community initiatives like this, the City aimed to increase awareness of personal safety and equip women with information and tips to feel safer. “The City of Melville plays a support role in working with the community, State Government agencies, and other stakeholders to achieve sustainable community safety and crime prevention outcomes,” he said.