The ‘Walk and Talk’ initiative, which was launched across North Worcestershire last year, aims to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG).

The initiative was first launched in Telford is now being introduced in Kidderminster, Stourport, Bromsgrove, Redditch and surrounding areas.

Walk and Talk allows female members of the public to reach out to a female police officer who will organise a walk with them in their neighbourhood. The walk gives the opportunity to point out areas they may feel unsafe and talk about these with police.

The walks can be flexible and will last around thirty minutes, taking place at times when women feel most vulnerable while out. This could be early in the morning or late in the evening, when it is darker, less traffic on the roads and fewer people on the streets.

Girls who are under the age of eighteen are also invited onto the scheme if they are accompanied by a parent, a sister over the age of eighteen, or another guardian.

Walk and Talk aims to invite women and girls into a safe environment where they can openly discuss their experiences and concerns.

Inspector Richard Field said: “It is important that we understand local concerns and give women and girls a safe space where they can feel heard. We want our communities to regularly see and get to know their local officers to help build trust and confidence.

“From the information they provide we can liaise with key partners to assess these concerns and where possible, fix them. We want the public to know we are here to protect and keep them safe.”

Stalking and harassment are serious crimes which can have a devastating effect on the lives of victims and their friends and family. West Mercia Police is committed to doing everything possible to bring offenders to justice and protect victims.

If you are interested in the Walk and Talk initiative and live in North Worcestershire, please email  walkandtalk@westmercia.police.uk  for more information. If you feel more comfortable, you can request officers attend in plain clothes and not in police uniform.

You can also read more about our VAWG campaign here: Violence Against Women and Girls | West Mercia Police