Police commissioner says men who 'call out' women on the street should be challenged
Men who intimidate women with their behaviour should be called out for their actions, said the region's crime commissioner.
John Campion, West Mercia's Police and Crime Commissioner, said more needed to be done to address the issue of women's safety, but he warned it would not be a "quick fix".
Mr Campion's comments come amid increasing calls for more action to make women feel safer, in light of the death of Sarah Everard, who had been walking home in Brixton when she disappeared.
The weekend saw a high profile vigil for Miss Everard, with the Metropolitan Police widely criticised for its handling of the event.
Mr Campion said that the responsibility for challenging people over their behaviour falls to all in society.
But he said that there should also be a focus on changing the behaviour of offenders.
'Frustrated'
He said: “More needs to be done to address the issue of women not feeling safe because of the actions of some men.
"In recent days we have seen protests and heard harrowing accounts from woman over the impact of the behaviour of some men.
"They are a reminder of an issue we have long known about, and we should be frustrated we have not made more progress as a society.
“Along with other inequalities in our society this isn’t a quick fix, we cannot just be seen to act today because it’s been brought to attention of the nation, we must act to deliver significant, sustainable and meaningful change in our society over how some men treat women.
“I have long been supporting a greater focus on challenging and changing the behaviour of the offender, and this should be applied to all crimes where possible."
Mr Campion said that men who "call out" to women in the street, intimidating them, should be challenged over their actions.
He said: "If some men feel they’re allowed to call out to women in the street, making them feel intimidated and scared, then why should we have a problem with calling out men for this behaviour? We, as a society, must step forward and help make a difference. We each have a responsibility and I, as Commissioner, will play my part by working with partners and the force to make sure West Mercia is a safe place for women.”
