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'Underlying misogynistic behaviour' among men, says woman highlighting safety concern

Bethany (inset) thinks the nightlife in Watford is part of the reason people are not always safe in the area. <i>(Image: Google Street View/Bethany Moxon)</i>
Bethany (inset) thinks the nightlife in Watford is part of the reason people are not always safe in the area. (Image: Google Street View/Bethany Moxon)

There is an “underlying misogynistic behaviour” among some men that makes one woman feel unsafe.

The comment is among those made after the Watford Observer asked: “Do you think women are safe in Watford?”.

More than 100 people replied with many women saying no, but some men also responded outlining their fears too.

Hertfordshire Constabulary and Watford Borough Council said they are aware of concerns and received the White Ribbon accreditation as a recognition of their commitment to end violence against women and girls.

They added: “As part of the accreditation, male council staff will act as ‘ambassadors’ advocating for the cause and helping to raise awareness of issues within the local community.”

Watford Observer: Watford is known for its nightlife
Watford Observer: Watford is known for its nightlife

Watford is known for its nightlife (Image: Google Street View)

Bethany Moxon, 39, who lives in Abbots Langley and works in Watford, agreed the town is a concern for both sexes and said nightlife is a factor.

Speaking to the Watford Observer, she said: “I’ve told Uber drivers, I wouldn’t want to be doing your job. When people are drinking, it’s not just based on gender.”

Ms Moxon, who used to live in Vicarage Road, said many areas in England can feel unsafe but women have to think different to men.

Watford Observer: Bethany says the are can be dangerous for men and women when alcohol is involved
Watford Observer: Bethany says the are can be dangerous for men and women when alcohol is involved

Bethany says the are can be dangerous for men and women when alcohol is involved (Image: Bethany Moxon)

She said: “A man could walk into Cassiobury Park without the fear of what is that behind me.

“Regardless of where you live, I think there is a lot of underlying misogynistic behaviour that men don’t realise they are doing.”

Some feedback included calls for better lighting on the footpaths and alleyways near car parks.

Requests for more police officers and posters highlighting consent were also called for.

One woman described her fear when a man was following her, but said the “police were great”.

Several people said they felt as unsafe during the day as well as the evening.

Another woman said: “Men lurking in all the doorways… tragic.”

Both the police and council said they constantly review their annual community safety plan that has an objective to tackle violence against women and girls.

They added: “We also work closely with key partners and voluntary community sector organisations across Watford to tackle behaviours or attitudes that excuse or enable male violence against women and girls.”

On Wednesday, March 15 an event took place at Watford’s PRYZM where police shared advice with local night-time economy staff about safeguarding measures.