Information

Standing together to keep women in Northamptonshire safe, anytime, anywhere.

Why this matters

Every woman deserves to feel safe. At home. On the streets. On public transport. Online.

Yet too many still face harassment, intimidation, and violence in their daily lives. These behaviours are never acceptable, and they are never the victim’s fault.

Here in Northamptonshire, we’re saying enough is enough. We’re building a community where women are safe, supported, and respected, where we all look out for each other, and no one turns a blind eye.

Changing Behaviours Together

Real safety is about more than personal precautions. It’s about changing the culture that allows harassment and abuse to happen in the first place. For too long, women have been told to adjust their behaviour – ‘don’t walk here, don’t wear that, don’t stay out late’ -when the real issue is the actions and attitudes of those who cause harm.

If we want Northamptonshire to be a place where women and girls feel safe, we need everyone to take responsibility. That means men reflecting on their own behaviour, friends calling each other out, and bystanders stepping in when something doesn’t feel right.

This is not about blaming all men, or creating division. It’s about recognising that everyone has a role to play in challenging unacceptable behaviour and supporting those affected. Change only happens when communities stand together.

• Speak up when you see harassment. Silence allows it to continue.
• Challenge your friends if their behaviour crosses the line.
• Share the message: It only takes one community to say enough is enough.
• Support local initiatives -from safe venues to community training.
• Be an active bystander – your actions, however small, can make a difference.

Every man, every friend, every colleague, and every bystander has a role to play in making Northamptonshire safer.

What’s Happening in Northamptonshire

Tackling violence against women and girls is a top priority for our county. Key initiatives include:

• Operation Kayak – uniformed and plain-clothes police officers patrolling hotspots to deter harassment and support women in town centres.
• Stand By Her Training – sessions delivered to young men across schools and colleges, equipping them to challenge harmful behaviour.
• StreetSafe Tool – an anonymous way to flag places where you feel unsafe, helping police and councils take action.
• Safer Streets Projects – investment in better lighting, CCTV, taxi marshals, and staff training to improve safety across our towns and neighbourhoods.

These are just some of the ways we’re working together to build a safer Northamptonshire for women and girls.

How You Can Help

Ending violence against women and girls is not something that can be left to the police or local services alone. Real change happens when communities come together, when people notice what’s going on around them, challenge behaviour that isn’t right, and support one another.

Every action, no matter how small, sends a signal about the kind of community we want to live in. Speaking up shows that harassment is not tolerated. Sharing the campaign helps the message reach more people and supporting local initiatives strengthens the safety net for those who need it.

 

Here are some simple but powerful ways you can play your part:

• Speak up when you see harassment – silence allows it to continue.
• Share the campaign and spread the message: It only takes one community to say enough is enough.
• Support local initiatives in your area, whether through volunteering, promoting safe venues, or joining community forums.
• Stay informed by signing up to Northamptonshire Talking for updates on safety campaigns and opportunities to get involved.

Together, these actions help build a safer, more supportive Northamptonshire for everyone.

Safety Tips

While responsibility always lies with perpetrators, not victims, these practical steps may help women feel more confident day-to-day:

• Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation.
• Stick to well-lit, busy routes whenever possible.
• Let someone know your plans and when you expect to be home.
• Use licensed taxis or private hire vehicles, and check the details before getting in.
• Walk with friends when you can, and look out for one another.
• Remember: harassment is not “just part of life.” It’s unacceptable, and you have the right to report it.

Call to Action

Let’s stand together, because it only takes one community to say enough is enough.