In public places, women have long been subjected to street harassment. According to a study conducted by the UN Women National Committee UK (2021, pp.6), only 3% of women in the UK claim to have never been subjected to any forms of street harassment in public places. As a result, when commuting in an urban (or rural) location, many women find themselves modifying their journeys or schedules, and when this option is not possible, they rely on private, more expensive modes of transportation.
Although poorly designed spaces do not produce dangerous individuals, research shows that urban design can influence criminal outcomes, particularly in the public open realm (Whitzman, 1996, pp.93). For example, a 1982 assessment of 65 rapes in the city of Seattle’s public spaces revealed that specific urban design features were consistent across the assault sites (Titus, 1990, pp.2-3). Surprisingly, investigations of design characteristics that cause women to sense vulnerability to assaults of a sexual nature in the United Kingdom and Canada uncovered broadly equivalent evidence (Whitzman, 1996; Stoks, 1982).
So, what are these features that urban designers need to look out for?
To begin, these studies concluded that urban design components that impact access and visibility, for both the victim and potential witnesses, had a significant impact on spaces where women were assaulted. For example, the sensation of being ambushed at the end of a pathway due to a lack of access, as well as the solitude associated with spaces such as underground or multi-level parking, were both determined as strong commonalities between the 1982 rape studies and the research uncovered in the United Kingdom (Titus, 1990, pp.3). Design factors that mitigate exposure and visibility, including inadequate illumination, road signs and blind spots, are also features that indicate a place’s lack of safety. The final physical attributes perceived as a feature to look out for when designing safe spaces for women, are spaces where there are indications of appalling maintenance, tagging and vandalism, as these all communicate that a certain location would be suited for a crime (Stoks, 1982).
Photo by Koen meyssen on Unsplash
What is often overlooked, but important to recognise, is that these design characteristics are frequently supplemented with an understanding and an awareness of local communities’ behavioural tendencies towards criminals, such as rapists, who perform offences in their community. As a result, a significant psychological element that impedes criminal activity is the appearance of individuals who will interfere if they notice suspected illegal activity (Marry, 1981; Whitzman, 1996). Therefore, one could argue that, while it is important to extricate the physical design features that is often associated with places of crimes, it is also crucial to find ways in which design can strengthen communities.
References:
– Carolyn Whitzman (1996) ‘What do you want to do? Pave parks?’ in (Ed.) Eichler, M. Change of Plans: Towards a Non-Sexist Sustainable City. Toronto: University of Toronto, pp.89-110.
– Merry, S. (1981) Urban Danger. Philadelphia: Temple University press.
– Stoks, F. (1982) Assessing Urban Public Space Environments for Danger of Violent Crime – Especially Rape. Washington: University of Washington.
– Titus, R. (1990) ‘Security Works: Shopping Enclaves Bring Hope, Investment to Blighted Inner-City Neighbourhood’ in (ed.) Titus, R. Urban Land. pp.2-5.
– UN Women UK (2021) Prevalence and reporting of sexual harassment in UK public spaces: A report by the APPG for UN Women. UN Women.
4 responses to “Urban design that creates unsafe spaces for women”
Kit, here you have mentioned an extremely sensitive issue. It is indeed a scary statistic that only 3% of women in the UK can claim not to have experienced harassment in public spaces. I will certainly be looking out for the types of spaces you have described in my working moving forward. The fear of crime is a topic in which I am interested. Ditton and Innes (2005), suggest that there is a tendency for both men and women to be dishonest when questioned about their fears of crime, suggesting that the traditional gender stereotypes might be more complex that is currently understood. Even more important to highlight are ways to strengthen community cohesion. These soft measures often ignored can go a long way in changing the feelings of safety.
The strategies for mitigating crime should not be single stranded (Poyner, 2006). There is little doubt that urban typologies can affect the opportunities to assist crime or prevent it. Although, there are still multiple challenges because the relationships between interventions and crime prevention is not completely clear (Sherman et al, 1997). In this light, I think its important not to generalise too much when talking about this matter and instead take a more balanced approach to developing safer environments.
References
Ditton J. and Innes M., 2005, ‘The Role of Perceptual Intervention in the Management of Crime Fear’, in N. Tilley (ed.) Handbook of Crime Prevention and Community Safety, Willan, Cullompton, Devon, UK, pp. 595–627
Poyner B., 2006, Crime-Free Housing in the 21st Century, UCL Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science, London.
Sherman L. W., Gottfredson D. C., Mackenzie D. C., Eck J., Reuter P., and Bushway S. D., 1997, Preventing Crime: What Works, What Doesn’t, What’s Promising, National Institute of Justice Research in Brief, US Department of Justice, Washington, DC
This is an insightful blog post discussing an important issue that has become very topical in recent years. The BBC found that in Dublin, 36% of women described feeling unsafe walking through their own neighbourhoods at night compared with just 13% of men (Ro, 2021). Franck suggests that women have long been associated with internal spaces, whereas men have had more freedom to utilise public spaces (Franck, 1989).
With major political movements to improve women’s safety, it’s essential we discuss how we can design safer places for everyone. Plymouth Council has implemented gender auditing in planning policy and proposals to try and create inclusive environments that are accessible and safe for all (ARUP, 2022). Basic principles such as clear distinct routes, good street lighting, and accessible services can create substantial changes regarding feelings of safety. Though it is important as Mo suggests above, to not generalise solutions.
Initially, reading this post I began to think of the design elements we can introduce. However, you raise a key point about strengthening communities to create safe environments for people to discuss and identify issues. Research suggests that by creating intergenerational and inter-gender places and communities, many women report feeling safer (Seitz, 2020).
Thanks for discussing this topic. It’s not surprising to women that the urban component of accessibility and visibility has a significant impact on crime against women. As well as the fact 97% of women have experienced street harrasment that is mentioned in the posting, especially in blocked or dark spaces. In that sense, I believe this kind of debate must be discussed so can be resolved. Also I agree with Mo pointing out that the strategies for mitigation crime should not be single standard. While statistics show that male youngsters and men fall more frequently victim to violence in public spaces than girls or women, the latter are much more often exposed to harassment and experience these situations as emotionally harrowing (Urban Development Vienna, 2019). According to the book ‘manual for Gender Mainstreaming in Urban Planning and Development’, The ability of women and men, of younger and older persons to move freely though a neighbourhood at any time of the day or night is part and parcel of quality of living. Adequate illumination, the aboidance of anciety-creating zones, clearcut signage or the street orientation of living areas of flats can contribute essentially to increasing both objective and subjectively experienced levels of safety and security.
Reference
Urban Development Vienna. “Manual for Gender Mainstreaming in Urban Planning and Development.” WTC, 30 Aug. 2019, http://www.stadtentwicklung.wien.at. Accessed 25 May 2022.
Kit, this is an insightful blog and extremely sensitive topic concerning on social and physical issue. It is argued that cities are not designed to keep women safe, so as aspirating urban designers how that could change? Spratt (2017) suggests “we can’t entirely ‘design out’ violence against women, so there is no perfect planning formula for this!” and it must start with education and re-education. However, the role of urban planning needs to overhaul of our current political and social system.
With improvement to political movement taking place, it is essential we discuss further about the feelings of safety in urban environments. Studies have shown social interaction and strengthen social cohesion by involving the community in the design of urban spaces could help create a sense of local ownership, which can improve perceptions of area safety and crime rate (CABE, 2014).
Leftover pockets of space should be considered as an opportunity, such as parks or allotment spaces. By giving this land to the community, it can be a good solution of ownership thereby, residential adapting an eye upon the street (Jacobs, 1961). By increase natural surveillance and greater safety would result in better network of people themselves and enforced by the people. Moreover, spatial design where involvement of women and people of all ranges leading to an bottom-up planning (Kern, 2020).
Reference:
Kit, here you have mentioned an extremely sensitive issue. It is indeed a scary statistic that only 3% of women in the UK can claim not to have experienced harassment in public spaces. I will certainly be looking out for the types of spaces you have described in my working moving forward. The fear of crime is a topic in which I am interested. Ditton and Innes (2005), suggest that there is a tendency for both men and women to be dishonest when questioned about their fears of crime, suggesting that the traditional gender stereotypes might be more complex that is currently understood. Even more important to highlight are ways to strengthen community cohesion. These soft measures often ignored can go a long way in changing the feelings of safety.
The strategies for mitigating crime should not be single stranded (Poyner, 2006). There is little doubt that urban typologies can affect the opportunities to assist crime or prevent it. Although, there are still multiple challenges because the relationships between interventions and crime prevention is not completely clear (Sherman et al, 1997). In this light, I think its important not to generalise too much when talking about this matter and instead take a more balanced approach to developing safer environments.
References
Ditton J. and Innes M., 2005, ‘The Role of Perceptual Intervention in the Management of Crime Fear’, in N. Tilley (ed.) Handbook of Crime Prevention and Community Safety, Willan, Cullompton, Devon, UK, pp. 595–627
Poyner B., 2006, Crime-Free Housing in the 21st Century, UCL Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science, London.
Sherman L. W., Gottfredson D. C., Mackenzie D. C., Eck J., Reuter P., and Bushway S. D., 1997, Preventing Crime: What Works, What Doesn’t, What’s Promising, National Institute of Justice Research in Brief, US Department of Justice, Washington, DC
This is an insightful blog post discussing an important issue that has become very topical in recent years. The BBC found that in Dublin, 36% of women described feeling unsafe walking through their own neighbourhoods at night compared with just 13% of men (Ro, 2021). Franck suggests that women have long been associated with internal spaces, whereas men have had more freedom to utilise public spaces (Franck, 1989).
With major political movements to improve women’s safety, it’s essential we discuss how we can design safer places for everyone. Plymouth Council has implemented gender auditing in planning policy and proposals to try and create inclusive environments that are accessible and safe for all (ARUP, 2022). Basic principles such as clear distinct routes, good street lighting, and accessible services can create substantial changes regarding feelings of safety. Though it is important as Mo suggests above, to not generalise solutions.
Initially, reading this post I began to think of the design elements we can introduce. However, you raise a key point about strengthening communities to create safe environments for people to discuss and identify issues. Research suggests that by creating intergenerational and inter-gender places and communities, many women report feeling safer (Seitz, 2020).
Thanks for discussing this topic. It’s not surprising to women that the urban component of accessibility and visibility has a significant impact on crime against women. As well as the fact 97% of women have experienced street harrasment that is mentioned in the posting, especially in blocked or dark spaces. In that sense, I believe this kind of debate must be discussed so can be resolved. Also I agree with Mo pointing out that the strategies for mitigation crime should not be single standard. While statistics show that male youngsters and men fall more frequently victim to violence in public spaces than girls or women, the latter are much more often exposed to harassment and experience these situations as emotionally harrowing (Urban Development Vienna, 2019). According to the book ‘manual for Gender Mainstreaming in Urban Planning and Development’, The ability of women and men, of younger and older persons to move freely though a neighbourhood at any time of the day or night is part and parcel of quality of living. Adequate illumination, the aboidance of anciety-creating zones, clearcut signage or the street orientation of living areas of flats can contribute essentially to increasing both objective and subjectively experienced levels of safety and security.
Reference
Urban Development Vienna. “Manual for Gender Mainstreaming in Urban Planning and Development.” WTC, 30 Aug. 2019, http://www.stadtentwicklung.wien.at. Accessed 25 May 2022.
Kit, this is an insightful blog and extremely sensitive topic concerning on social and physical issue. It is argued that cities are not designed to keep women safe, so as aspirating urban designers how that could change? Spratt (2017) suggests “we can’t entirely ‘design out’ violence against women, so there is no perfect planning formula for this!” and it must start with education and re-education. However, the role of urban planning needs to overhaul of our current political and social system.
With improvement to political movement taking place, it is essential we discuss further about the feelings of safety in urban environments. Studies have shown social interaction and strengthen social cohesion by involving the community in the design of urban spaces could help create a sense of local ownership, which can improve perceptions of area safety and crime rate (CABE, 2014).
Leftover pockets of space should be considered as an opportunity, such as parks or allotment spaces. By giving this land to the community, it can be a good solution of ownership thereby, residential adapting an eye upon the street (Jacobs, 1961). By increase natural surveillance and greater safety would result in better network of people themselves and enforced by the people. Moreover, spatial design where involvement of women and people of all ranges leading to an bottom-up planning (Kern, 2020).
Reference:
Kit, here you have mentioned an extremely sensitive issue. It is indeed a scary statistic that only 3% of women in the UK can claim not to have experienced harassment in public spaces. I will certainly be looking out for the types of spaces you have described in my working moving forward. The fear of crime is a topic in which I am interested. Ditton and Innes (2005), suggest that there is a tendency for both men and women to be dishonest when questioned about their fears of crime, suggesting that the traditional gender stereotypes might be more complex that is currently understood. Even more important to highlight are ways to strengthen community cohesion. These soft measures often ignored can go a long way in changing the feelings of safety.
The strategies for mitigating crime should not be single stranded (Poyner, 2006). There is little doubt that urban typologies can affect the opportunities to assist crime or prevent it. Although, there are still multiple challenges because the relationships between interventions and crime prevention is not completely clear (Sherman et al, 1997). In this light, I think its important not to generalise too much when talking about this matter and instead take a more balanced approach to developing safer environments.
References
Ditton J. and Innes M., 2005, ‘The Role of Perceptual Intervention in the Management of Crime Fear’, in N. Tilley (ed.) Handbook of Crime Prevention and Community Safety, Willan, Cullompton, Devon, UK, pp. 595–627
Poyner B., 2006, Crime-Free Housing in the 21st Century, UCL Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science, London.
Sherman L. W., Gottfredson D. C., Mackenzie D. C., Eck J., Reuter P., and Bushway S. D., 1997, Preventing Crime: What Works, What Doesn’t, What’s Promising, National Institute of Justice Research in Brief, US Department of Justice, Washington, DC
This is an insightful blog post discussing an important issue that has become very topical in recent years. The BBC found that in Dublin, 36% of women described feeling unsafe walking through their own neighbourhoods at night compared with just 13% of men (Ro, 2021). Franck suggests that women have long been associated with internal spaces, whereas men have had more freedom to utilise public spaces (Franck, 1989).
With major political movements to improve women’s safety, it’s essential we discuss how we can design safer places for everyone. Plymouth Council has implemented gender auditing in planning policy and proposals to try and create inclusive environments that are accessible and safe for all (ARUP, 2022). Basic principles such as clear distinct routes, good street lighting, and accessible services can create substantial changes regarding feelings of safety. Though it is important as Mo suggests above, to not generalise solutions.
Initially, reading this post I began to think of the design elements we can introduce. However, you raise a key point about strengthening communities to create safe environments for people to discuss and identify issues. Research suggests that by creating intergenerational and inter-gender places and communities, many women report feeling safer (Seitz, 2020).
1. Franck, K.A., Paxson, L. (1989). Women and Urban Public Space. In: Altman, I., Zube, E.H. (eds) Public Places and Spaces. Human Behavior and Environment, vol 10.
2. Seitz, A (2020) How can Cities be Designed for Women. [online] Available at: https://streets.mn/2020/05/22/how-can-cities-be-designed-for-women/ (Accessed on 20/05/22)
3. ARUP (2022) Shaping the female city. [online] Available at: https://www.arup.com/perspectives/shaping-the-female-city (Accessed on 20/05/22)
4. Ro, C (2021) How to Design Safer Cities for women. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210409-how-to-design-safer-cities-for-women (Accessed on 20/05/22)
Thanks for discussing this topic. It’s not surprising to women that the urban component of accessibility and visibility has a significant impact on crime against women. As well as the fact 97% of women have experienced street harrasment that is mentioned in the posting, especially in blocked or dark spaces. In that sense, I believe this kind of debate must be discussed so can be resolved. Also I agree with Mo pointing out that the strategies for mitigation crime should not be single standard. While statistics show that male youngsters and men fall more frequently victim to violence in public spaces than girls or women, the latter are much more often exposed to harassment and experience these situations as emotionally harrowing (Urban Development Vienna, 2019). According to the book ‘manual for Gender Mainstreaming in Urban Planning and Development’, The ability of women and men, of younger and older persons to move freely though a neighbourhood at any time of the day or night is part and parcel of quality of living. Adequate illumination, the aboidance of anciety-creating zones, clearcut signage or the street orientation of living areas of flats can contribute essentially to increasing both objective and subjectively experienced levels of safety and security.
Reference
Urban Development Vienna. “Manual for Gender Mainstreaming in Urban Planning and Development.” WTC, 30 Aug. 2019, http://www.stadtentwicklung.wien.at. Accessed 25 May 2022.
Reflective comments 2
Kit, this is an insightful blog and extremely sensitive topic concerning on social and physical issue. It is argued that cities are not designed to keep women safe, so as aspirating urban designers how that could change? Spratt (2017) suggests “we can’t entirely ‘design out’ violence against women, so there is no perfect planning formula for this!” and it must start with education and re-education. However, the role of urban planning needs to overhaul of our current political and social system.
With improvement to political movement taking place, it is essential we discuss further about the feelings of safety in urban environments. Studies have shown social interaction and strengthen social cohesion by involving the community in the design of urban spaces could help create a sense of local ownership, which can improve perceptions of area safety and crime rate (CABE, 2014).
Leftover pockets of space should be considered as an opportunity, such as parks or allotment spaces. By giving this land to the community, it can be a good solution of ownership thereby, residential adapting an eye upon the street (Jacobs, 1961). By increase natural surveillance and greater safety would result in better network of people themselves and enforced by the people. Moreover, spatial design where involvement of women and people of all ranges leading to an bottom-up planning (Kern, 2020).
Reference:
CABE. (2014) Creating safe places to live through design. Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment. Available at: https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/asset/document/creating-safe-places-to-live.pdf (Accessed: 25th May 2022).
Jacobs, J. (1961) The Death and Life of Great American Cities. New York: Vintage Books.
Kern, L. (2020) Feminst City: Claiming Space in a Man-made World. La Vergne: Verso Books.
Spratt, S. (2021) Cities are Sexist & Aren’t Designed to Keep Women Safe. Here’s How That Could Change. Available at: https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/2021/11/10729359/women-safety-public-spaces (Accessed: 25th May 2022).