Safer Journeys

As White Ribbon Day approaches, the Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership is joining partners across Hertfordshire to help raise awareness of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and promote safer, more inclusive communities for everyone.

Next week – the week leading up to White Ribbon Day on 25 November – MIX 92.6 FM will begin broadcasting a special pre-recorded radio feature,”Safe Journeys: Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls on the Railway“. The programme brings together representatives from the Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership, WM Trains, Hertfordshire County Council and Watford Borough Council to discuss personal safety, active bystander awareness, reporting concerns, seeking help and the role we can all play in creating safer public spaces and public transport.

The programme will explore how violence, intimidation and harassment can affect people’s confidence to travel, highlight the importance of the White Ribbon campaign, and encourage listeners to take positive action through the White Ribbon Promise and ‘safely standing up against harassment’ training (Active Bystander).

Along the Abbey Line, you’ll also spot White Ribbon posters at selected stations, helping to share key messages about respect, safety and standing against violence towards women and girls. We will also be distributing White Ribbon leaflets at Watford Junction station, providing information about the campaign and how people can get involved. Look out for them in our leaflet holder at the bottom of the steps leading to platform 11.

If you or someone you know has been affected by violence against women and girls, support is available. The Herts Sunflower website provides information about local support services across Hertfordshire – including support for men who are concerned about their own abusive behaviours.

Creating safer journeys and communities is everyone’s responsibility. This White Ribbon Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the small actions we can all take to safely challenge harmful behaviour, support others, and help ensure everyone feels safe and welcome when travelling and in everyday life.