It’s no secret that many women feel unsafe walking in the dark on their own. This is hardly a surprise: violence against women and girls (VAWG) has been proclaimed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council as an “epidemic” and campaign group End Violence Against Women found that half of women feel unsafe walking alone at night.

Now, as we approach the shortest day of the year on 21 December, new data has revealed that almost a third of women (29%) would never walk alone at night. The research, which was compiled by Clear Channel in partnership with Strut Safe, also found that half of all UK adults wouldn’t walk home alone at night if they didn’t have their phones with them, and one in 10 will always call a family member or friend on their way home.

To help tackle the issue, Clear Channel and Strut Safe have collaborated on billboards all over the UK to promote Strut Safe’s helpline, which gives people walking home the opportunity to call trained volunteers who remain on the line until they arrive safely at their destination. 

Speaking of the campaign, Rho Chung, co-founder and director of communications at Strut Safe, said: “Street violence disproportionately impacts marginalised groups and creates a culture of fear that restricts everyday life. We started Strut Safe to provide a safe space for those navigating these challenges. This partnership with Clear Channel UK will allow us to meet those who need our service exactly where they are – and when they most need it. If just one person feels less alone on their journey because of our partnership, it’s done its job.”

Strut Safe can be contacted between 7pm – 3am on Fridays and Saturdays and 9pm –1am on Sundays on 0333 335 0026. In an emergency, call 999.

Images: Getty