VIDEO: Safe2Talk-Fantastic MetGirlz initiative tackles violence against women and girls.

A special initiative to tackle violence against women and girls was held yesterday at Fullwell Cross library in Barkingside. The Safe2Talk initiative was organised by the MetGirlz and Met Police officer PC Claire Argyle. The afternoon gave women across the area the opportunity to come to a safe place and share any concerns they may have with a variety of different women including members of Women’s Aid, local police officers, council officials and solicitors.

This is the start of numerous sessions to be rolled out as part of the London wide Met work to tackle violence against women and girls and working hand in hand with MetGirlz.

MetGirlz is aimed at young girls aged between 16-19, who are considered to be at most risk of violent crime, county line activity, sexual exploitation, and bullying and drug abuse. The course aims to build trust between young women and the police and also perhaps promote the MPS as a career choice for young females who may have a negative opinion of the police. 

There are many benefits to this project for the girls involved; confidence building, increasing trust, presentation skills, new friendship bonds, a wider insight into work life in general as well as police work, and mainly.. A greater understanding of police and why we do what we do.

Safe2Talk is a non-judgemental space for women and girls who have experienced sexual assault, harassment, or abuse to come and speak one-on-one with female experts including a police officer and a domestic abuse specialist.

Safe2Talk has been organised in partnership with the council and police. It came about after girls from a local school suggested the idea of having a female only police station in Redbridge as they felt police stations were unwelcoming and they would likely be speaking to a male officer which can be difficult if disclosing about sexual harassment and assault. 

Separately, Redbridge had previously run a monthly one-stop-shop for victim/survivors of domestic abuse who wanted to speak in person to professionals to get help and advice about their situation. 

The Met have combined both concepts and created this monthly safe space in the community. They chose Fullwell Cross library as it is central in the borough and very accessible.

Location: Fullwell Cross library, 140 High Street, Barkingside, IG6 2EA. This area is centrally located so easily accessible to people of the borough. 

When is it?

Dates and time: • Monday 28th November 2-6pm• Monday 19th December 2-6pm• Monday 30th January 2-6pm• Monday 27th February 2-6pm• Monday 27th March 2-6pm• Monday 24th April 2-6pm

Who will be there?• Met Police• Redbridge Violence Against Women and Girls Service• Refuge Eastern European Service• an Immigration solicitor from Ashiana Network• An outreach worker from the Department of Work and Pensions• A solicitor from Copper Stones• LBR Housing Officer 

East Area Met Police officers tackling violence against women and girls.

The two MetGirlz with PC Claire Argyle.