How University of Leeds researchers are developing new tools to make parks safer for women and girls
The new online dashboard aims to spot risks to help makes parks safer to tackle violence against women and girls
New pioneering technology developed by University of Leeds researchers is helping police and councils spot potential dangers in parks and make them safer for women and girls.
A new online dashboard helps to identify potential safety risks such as poor lighting, limited visibility and secluded routes to tackle violence against women.
Three parks in Leeds are being used in the trial by University of Leeds researchers after a study found women are significantly more likely than men to feel unsafe in parks, particularly after dark.
West Yorkshire Police is the first force to trial the dashboard that has been created by Dr Anna Barker, from the School of Law, and Dr Fran Pontin, from the School of Geography, providing information on 26,840 parks and green spaces across England and Wales.
Roundhay Park, Woodhouse Moor and Potternewton Park were the three parks identified, leading to Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Leeds working with Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), and groups who use the parks to work collaboratively to make the spaces safer.
Dr Pontin said: “There’s so much data out there that’s currently underutilised or not joined up. For example, using environmental data in a policing context isn’t necessarily someone’s first thought, but the dashboard brings the data together to create an overall picture of a space which multiple agencies can use to support decision making and make our parks safer for everyone.”
Lead researcher Dr Barker said: “Parks are vital public spaces, but our research shows that many women and girls continue to experience barriers to using them confidently and freely. For me, the real value lies in seeing the voices of women and girls from our research translated into action.”
Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “Every woman and girl deserves to feel safe when using our parks and green spaces.
“Tackling violence against women and girls is one of my top priorities, and that means combining practical action with the best available evidence.
“This partnership demonstrates the vital role that research can play in helping us better understand the challenges women and girls face, informing innovative approaches that support safer, more welcoming public spaces across West Yorkshire.”