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Following the uproar sparked by the abduction and murder of Sarah Everard by Scotland Yard officer Wayne Couzens, the Home Secretary received 180,000 responses to a call for comments about crimes that disproportionately affect women.

New measures will seek “behavioural change”.They will also ensure offences such as indecent exposure – which Couzens was previously accused of – and street harassment are taken more seriously.

The Government will look at improving street design and pilot an online StreetSafe tool so people can anonymously highlight locations where they feel vulnerable. Schools and colleges will get better guidance on dealing with reports of sexual violence and harassment.There will also be a 24/7 rape and sexual assault helpline.

Ms Patel said: “This strategy will deliver real and lasting change.”

But Lucy Hadley, from Women’s Aid, said they were “encouraged” by the reforms but added: “This is not the same as a ‘whole system response’ to women’s experiences of violence and abuse.”

Some 72 per cent have had some form of sexual harassment – 43 per cent in the past year – says a poll of 12,141 people quizzed by the Government Equalities Office.

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