Research reveals women actively avoid certain areas in Belfast at night

The BID will provide match-funding to any of its 300 members who submit viable and long-term ideas for the 55-hectare District which spans across areas such as Dublin Road, Bedford St, Bankmore Square, Blackstaff Square. The fund has already been utilised to install CCTV on Dublin Road, and an alley gate project at Ventry Lane is in progress for potential delivery in 2025.

The need for private intervention when it comes to enhancing safety is demonstrated by recent public outcry to growing instances of gender-based violence against women, and subsequent calls for more to be done.

LQ BID carried out research in May 2024, to gauge how safe women feel in Belfast City Centre, and the opportunities that may exist to provide better solutions. The findings echo public sentiment, with 85 per cent of respondents actively avoiding certain areas of the city, and all respondents confirming they wouldn’t feel comfortable being in the city alone at night. The research also found that improved lighting, more CCTV, and greater availability of taxis and public transport at night, would help women feel safer in the city.

The findings come from a research paper recently completed by Charlotte Irvine, Finance and Contracts Manager at LQ BID, as part of a Certificate in BID Management.

She said: “This research confirms colloquial evidence that women don’t feel safe. We can’t ignore the facts any longer and need to come together to prioritise the issue to ensure that women feel protected when walking home from work, or enjoying a night out. Government’s new strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, launched in September, and shows determination. However, we cannot lose momentum so I urge businesses and organisations to contribute to solutions by, for example, submitting ideas to our Safer District Fund or speaking with employees to see if there’s more that can be done to facilitate female employees.”

Next week (October 21 to October 25) marks LQ BID’s bi-annual Safe & Clean Week. Activities are centred on deep cleaning, volunteer opportunities such as planting to improve the District’s aesthetic, and increased police patrols including a visit from the PSNI Drugs Detection Dog. On Thursday 24 October, the BID will host a panel discussion at The Press Room, Franklin St. to discuss its research and its Safer District agenda. Attendees will also be encouraged to sign the White Ribbon pledge – an oath to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.

LQ BID prioritises public safety and regularly engages its members on problem-solving initiatives. In addition to CCTV recently installed at Shaftsbury Square, the BID funds a dedicated police officer for the District via its Street Beat team which has proven invaluable in collecting local knowledge and reducing instances of crime as a result.

Furthermore, along with Belfast One and Cathedral Quarter BID, LQ BID appointed Michael Stewart as the city centre’s first Night Czar. The role includes working with key stakeholders to review and improve perceptions of safety across the city in support of an enhance night-time economy. One of Michael’s four key priorities is ending violence against women and girls.

He said: “Incredible work is being done in this sphere by Women’s Aid and White Ribbon, as well as the NI Assembly’s Safer Socialising Committee. This is important - the industry needs to be an ally of women and advocacy groups.

"Only by listening to real insight and experience can we reach the right solutions. Initiatives like ‘Ask for Angela’, which the PSNI oversees with licensed venues, are a start but we need to keep on top of our response, ensure we provide staff with regular training and retraining to guarantee the campaign’s effectiveness.

"Furthermore, the Department of Infrastructure has a role to play by providing additional and adequate lighting, and CCTV across the city centre. I’ve had and will continue to have engagements to ensure I can lend my influence here.”

For more information visit linenquarter.org