The Bracknell Forest Women and Girls Safety Charter was officially launched on Wednesday 19 August. The charter recognises a simple but powerful message: everyone has the right to feel safe.
A number businesses, schools, community groups, charities, public services and other organisations across Bracknell Forest attended the launch event. Attendees heard from local leaders and partners about the role everyone can play in preventing violence against women and girls and were invited to sign up to the charter and commit to making the borough safer.
The core aims of the charter are to support women and girls in going to work, attending school or college, enjoying parks and public spaces, using public transport, visiting local businesses and spending time with friends without fear of harassment, intimidation or violence.
Violence against women and girls remains one of the biggest challenges facing society. Around one in eight women experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking in the year ending March 2025*. Violence can often take many other forms, including sexual harassment, coercive and controlling behaviour, and online abuse.
The charter has been developed to support a whole-community approach to tackling these issues, recognising that creating safer environments is not just the responsibility of the police, but of everyone who lives, works and provides services in Bracknell Forest.
Organisations were encouraged to sign up to the charter, committing to a set of nine pledges designed to help improve safety, strengthen support and promote a culture of respect and inclusion.
The charter is supported by a practical toolkit to help organisations turn their commitments into action.
Cllr Helen Purnell, leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said:
"Women and girls should be free to live their lives without fear. However, far too many still feel the need to modify their daily routines, choices and behaviour because they do not always feel safe.
“Whether that means avoiding certain places, changing their route home or taking extra precautions when out and about, these experiences have become far too common.
“Creating safer communities is everyone's responsibility, and men and boys also have an important role to play in challenging harmful behaviour, showing respect and being part of the solution. By signing the charter, organisations are making a clear commitment to help create a safer, more inclusive Bracknell Forest for all.”
Cllr Georgia Pickering, cabinet member for housing, community safety and communication, said:
“We want as many organisations as possible to join us on this journey. A signatory is not saying ‘we are perfect’. They are saying they are committed to making their organisation a safe, welcoming and respectful place for women and girls, and they will continue to improve.
“Improvement means being willing to listen, identify what could be better, taking practical action and learning from experience. For some organisations, that might mean improving staff training or reporting processes, changing the physical environment, challenging inappropriate behaviour or working differently with women and girls in the community.
“Signing the charter is a commitment to keep asking what more can be done and acting on what is learnt.”
More information
The Bracknell Forest Women and Girls Safety Charter was launched on Wednesday, 19 August 2026 at Cineworld Bracknell. More than 70 people attended the launch.
The 9 pledges are:
- Commitment to the charter.
- Zero tolerance.
- Prevention by design.
- Support in safe spaces.
- Training and culture change.
- Allyship and shared responsibility.
- Reporting.
- Transparency and responsibility.
- Victim-survivor centred response.
Signatories receive access to the charter toolkit and dedicated resources.
The toolkit includes: self-assessment tools, guidance on creating safe spaces, model policies, reporting materials, training opportunities and practical advice on responding to disclosures.
The charter is open to businesses, schools, colleges, community organisations, charities, leisure providers, licensed premises and public services.
The charter supports local and national efforts to prevent violence against women and girls and improve safety across communities.
* Equivalent to approximately 3.2 million women, according to the cited national data source - The Office for National Statistics.
How to become a signatory
Organisations can sign up by completing a short commitment form and agreeing to support the charter's nine pledges.
Once signed up, organisations will receive:
- access to the Women and Girls Safety Charter toolkit
- practical templates, policies and self-assessment tools
- information about training opportunities
- campaign resources and support materials
- examples of good practice from other signatories
- regular updates from Bracknell Forest Council and partner organisations
