Community event aims to answer concerns about VAWG

Residents will be able to ask questions of their local policing team at a community event focusing on violence against women and girls (VAWG).

The Welwyn Hatfield Unity of Culture forum is hosting a virtual event on Monday 28 March 6.30pm-8pm where they will be joined by Sergeant Dan Bales from the local Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT).

The forum aims to bring together the diverse communities of Welwyn Hatfield and give them a voice. It is run independently but supported by local partners such as the police who are also invited to attend. Welwyn Hatfield Chief Inspector Kash Hussain, who has made it his mission to improve the trust and confidence that ethnic minority groups have in policing, supported the group in its initial creation to help get it up and running.

Monday’s event will have a special focus on the issue of violence against women and girls, with Sergeant Dan Bales set to answer any questions the public might have.

The event is open to everybody and those from minority ethnic groups are especially encouraged to take part.

Sergeant Bales said: “We know that the issue of violence against women and girls is very important to the public right now and there is lots of work ongoing to tackle this. Earlier this month, the constabulary launched a force strategy which sets out how we will do this. Its focuses include identifying public spaces where women and girls feel vulnerable and engaging with the community. It’s really important you voice your thoughts and let us know what else we can be doing to help you feel safe. I look forward to speaking to residents on Monday and hopefully easing any concerns they might have.”

Chief Inspector Kash Hussain added: “The Unity of Culture is a fantastic opportunity for those from ethnic minority communities to be heard by their local public services. Everyone, from all communities, are welcome and I hope that we hear from a lot of you on Monday. Engagement with the community is a vital part in the efforts to tackle VAWG.”

The meeting will be held on Zoom on Monday 28 March 6.30pm-8pm.

Meeting ID: 816 6167 0867

Passcode: 018515          

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