Businesses across Peterborough accredited against abuse

More than 50 local businesses came together yesterday (21 March) to receive training on how to identify predatory behaviour and help tackle the issue of violence against women and girls (VAWG).

The organisations are now each accredited as a Business Against Abuse (BAA).

This means they have made a commitment to being a safe space for all customers, in particular women and girls, and their staff are trained in spotting predatory behaviour.

The accredited businesses can be found here and have all been provided with BAA branded lanyards, plaques, window stickers and posters which showcase their dedication to preventing VAWG.

The development of the accreditation and the training, which included inputs from Rape Crisis, has been funded by the Home Office’s Safer Streets 4 scheme.

Chief Inspector Ian Lombardo said: “It was brilliant to see more than 150 local people and business owners come together and make a commitment to making our streets and public spaces safer.

“The police can’t be everywhere, but we now have a network of businesses that are committed to tackling violence against women and girls. Their staff know how to spot the signs of predatory behaviour and will have the confidence to take action that could prevent a sexual offence.

“For businesses who missed the initial training, don’t worry, we are planning to open it up to the rest of the county within the next few months with a launch already planned within the Fenland area this April so please contact us if you are interested in signing up to the scheme.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston said: “It is great to see so many businesses supporting this joint problem-solving approach demonstrating their commitment to keeping our communities safe.

“Crime prevention is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan and I would like to thank Chief Inspector Lombardo and his team for pushing through many of the improvements promised through this round of Safer Streets funding at an impressive pace.”  

For further information please contact [email protected]