In 2022/23, Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) made up one fifth of all police-recorded crime, having risen by 37% between 2018 and 2023, according to a report by the National Police Chief’s Council. These statistics clearly indicate that policies promoting the safety of women and girls, whether on the street or behind closed doors, must be prioritised by all levels of government and authority. Cambridge city authorities have heeded this message, but there is still much to be done to ensure that the public, including students, know where to access key support.

I spoke to female students to uncover different perspectives within the student body, regarding their general safety concerns in Cambridge, and some of the initiatives implemented by local authorities that aim to mitigate them.

“Perhaps in relation to London, Manchester or Madrid, Cambridge does seem safe”

Although several students claimed that “Cambridge felt safe,” it soon became apparent that this sense of security was relative. Perhaps in relation to London, Manchester or Madrid, Cambridge does seem safe. The compact size of the centre, the numerous porter’s lodges, and the groups of students thronging the streets late into the night may create some sense of security. But research by Social Change UK 2021/22 found that “80% of women reported feeling unsafe when out in public spaces across Cambridgeshire.”

And those I spoke to provided support for this statistic, all recalling experiences in which they had felt vulnerable. Maya’s trip to Vue cinema, for example, ended in a sprint down an unlit residential street escaping the catcalls of a man, who had emerged from his front door to continue the harassment he had begun from an upstairs window.

The story is not, however, entirely disheartening. The Cambridge authorities are taking tangible action to promote the safety of women and girls across the county. ‘KNOW Violence Against Women’ media campaign, was launched by Cambridge Constabulary, in conjunction with local partners, to educate the public about misogyny and harassment, and promote behaviour change.

Likewise, the scheme ‘Businesses Against Abuse’ trains businesses in spotting and supporting victims of predatory behaviour and has recently accredited Stagecoach East Buses as ‘Safe Spaces’ for women and girls. Elleni, the Student Union Welfare Officer, described herself as a “proud advocate of this campaign, sharing information widely both online and offline.” She explained that “in cases of immediate need, bus drivers, trained to identify and address abusive behaviour, are empowered to intervene, stop the bus, or even arrange alternative transport to ensure the safety of victim-survivors.”

However, when I attempted to discuss such initiatives with students, I was invariably met with blank faces. Although some students had extensive knowledge of problems and potential solutions to VAWG within the university context, the majority that I spoke to lacked awareness of city-wide problems, campaigns, and initiatives. As often observed, there was a disconnect between these members of Cambridge University’s student body and the city in which we live.

“The majority that I spoke to lacked awareness of city-wide problems, campaigns, and initiatives”

A striking example of an initiative, hugely relevant and potentially beneficial to numerous students, but of which many seemed unaware, is the CCTV and ‘Help Call Points’ installed in Market Square in 2023. According to Cambridge City Council’s website, they are “a point of safety for members of the public,” who are visible and “connected via intercom to operatives in the CCTV control room 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

This is part of a wider initiative to enhance safety in town centres, particularly in spaces vulnerable to crime under the cover of darkness. Elleni described participating in discussions regarding initiatives that aim to encourage Market Square stallholders “to dismantle their setups at day’s end, thereby preventing obscured areas beneath tents.” Evidently, there is some effective collaboration between city authorities and student representatives. So why aren’t such initiatives more widely known?

Having been made aware of the Market Square project, Maya felt reassured by the idea of CCTV surveillance and the ability to contact relevant authorities, if, for example, her “phone was dead” and she “felt vulnerable or was being shouted at or followed.” “That’s such an amazing initiative […] it’s so important to feel seen,” she exclaimed. Sara, a second year, agreed that she could see herself using the intercom if she “felt unsafe walking home after a night out.” Like Sara, many Cambridge students pass through Market Square, after exiting nightclubs in the vicinity. In a vulnerable situation, it’s possible to have a quick conversation via the intercom with CCTV operators, who can summon police if necessary. This may be enough to deter potential conflict, settle nerves and provide a safe space to wait for help to arrive.

Raising students’ awareness of help-points and support in the city is a relatively small task, which has the potential to have a large impact on the safety of female students. The dissemination of further information amongst the student body would not be difficult. As an easy first step, Isla recommended “placing posters on college noticeboards, in plodges, college bars, and across faculty sites”. Meanwhile, Amelia suggested harnessing the network of student JCRs. “College welfare and women’s officers could introduce information during Fresher’s Week talks or put it in the Safety and Information packs, which [some] colleges give out to their freshers.” Already, Elleni explained, “welfare officers are encouraged to share vital resources available [to students] on group chats and social media platforms.”

The secret to the success of such schemes is public awareness. If women and girls are unaware of help-points, they gain no benefit from them. And it seems that many students just don’t know what is out there.