A LONDONDERRY based womens advocacy group has called for research into how safe women are on the city's streets.
The women's support group said increases in women feeling vulnerable to attacks needed to be explored locally and in depth.
The call follows the announcement that women in Northern Ireland find the streets more dangerous now than at the height of th
e troubles.
The new report by the Women's Centre Regional Partnership (WCRP) shows that many women believe there is an rise in sexual assaults, knife crime and "happy-slapping".
"I think there is an increased level of anxiety around women, and fear of sexual attacks in Derry" says area management co-ordinator of Foyle Women's Aid, Marie Brown.
"We need to address what these fears are and look at how can women feel more confident on the streets.
"We're interested to hear what local women are saying, to look more locally and in depth at what issues we have to address."
Attitudes towards anti-social or violent crime in the city also needed to be evaluated, she said.
"We need research into violent behaviour and we need to address cultural issues and attitudes".
Ms Brown also said there was a difference between raising fear of crime and the number of actual incidents.
"There is a difference between perceived fears and actual experiences. In my time working with the District Policing Partnership (DPP) I have learned there is more fear of crime than crime actually happening.
"I'm not sure this is a new thing that is only emerging or if it just would not have gotten media coverage before."
She pointed to "a range of places" that were working to help women feel safer in Londonderry including increased awareness and education in the community.
"There is an anti-social behaviour strategy in place and lots of education programmes working with young people to promote healthy relationships."
Anyone interested in getting advice from Foyle Women's Aid can contact the Pathways Outreach office at (028) 71280060.
