Hertfordshire Constabulary says that it is redoubling efforts to tackle violence against women in efforts to make women feel safer.

Following major coverage of violence against women and the prominent deaths of women like Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa, police forces across the UK are looking to find ways to improve the safeguarding of women.

This week the Metropolitan Police said that there will be a boost of 650 police officers in busy London town centres, that will work solely to make the areas feel safer for women and girls.

Meanwhile Hertfordshire Constabulary will be assessing information of a recent survey that asked women and girls what their main areas of concern were.

This information will be used to see how the force can improve its services to prevent potential violent acts towards women.

Assistant chief constable Genna Telfer said: “The impact of the tragic Sarah Everard case is significant and whilst predatory attacks from unknown offenders remains rare in Hertfordshire, we will always consider what more we can do.

“Safeguarding the vulnerable has been the priority of the force for a number of years with considerable resources and training put in place across a raft of areas.

“We have worked tirelessly with our partners in regard to the night time economy to keep women safe from a prevention perspective and have a clear focus and priority around the prosecution of offenders.”

The assistant chief constable explained that since Sarah Everard’s murder, the force has been motivated to improve its protection for women as much as possible.

She said: “We recently ran a survey to seek feedback from women and girls specifically to understand some of their concerns in more detail.

“This information is now being assessed and will be actioned to expand on the work we are already doing.

“The force is also involved in a major recruitment drive which will see more officers on patrol and engaging with the public which is a critical part of our drive to keep people safe.”

In London, the Met have already begun to take further action as 500 officers will form town centre teams across the capital and will be based permanently in busy neighbourhoods.

A further 150 officers will join London’s dedicated ward officers – commonly referred to as ‘Bobbie’s on the beat’ – to solve local issues, particularly ones raised by women about areas or individuals.

The first set of teams are expected to be deployed by late 2021, and all 19 teams are expected to be in place by spring 2022.