Agenda item

8.1

The Youth Voice and Influence Manager, Sarah Stevens gave a presentation to the Local Area Committee. The presentation focused on violence against women and girls and what the Council were doing to tackle this issue.

8.2

The Youth Voice and Influence Manager explained that this was a huge issue in the City and violence against women and girls can be either emotional, physical, sexual or financial.

8.3

It was mentioned that White Ribbon was a global campaign that encourages men and boys to individually and collectively take action and change their behaviours towards women and girls. It was added that this was about educating men and boys to avoid violence in the future.

8.4

Some of the actions already taken by Sheffield City Council were as follows: -

·       The launch of our first women and girls’ night-time safety character

·       Development of resources for Sheffield against sexual harassment, including the promotion of the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme in venues, bars and other premises.

·       Support for the City’s violence against women and girls forum.

8.5

Attendees were informed that youth voice and influence was about listening to young people and valuing what they say. The Youth Service empowered and supported young people to be involved in decision-making.

8.6

It was stated that Sheffield had a South Yorkshire Police Young People’s Advisory Group and a Sheffield Youth Cabinet. These 2 groups worked together to create a video on the violence against women and girls’ issue. This video was then shared to the Local Area Committee.

8.7

Following the video, it was mentioned that BBC Radio and Breakfast Show, Hallam FM News, Radio 5 Live and ITV had all taken interest in the issue.

8.8

The presentation identified how more information on this issue could be accessed.

8.9

Councillor Sioned-Mair Richards spoke out about how she had been "flashed" between the ages of 9 and 64. Over 50 years of it! Enough was enough and more needed to be done to educate young men and boys.

8.10

A member of the public asked how long the ‘Ask Angela’ scheme had been implemented into venues in Sheffield.

It was mentioned that the scheme had been in place for around 6 years in Sheffield.