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Everyone has a part to play in helping make Cumbria safer for women at night
In partnership with Peter McCall, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria, we've launched an important campaign to help increase awareness of the safety of women at night in Cumbria, change attitudes and increase reporting of crime.
With the clocks going back and the nights drawing in, many people feel more vulnerable when travelling to and from work, going for a walk, run or cycle, or getting home after a night out. Often people unknowingly make others feel uncomfortable by their unwanted comments or by walking too close behind them.
Watch our film featuring a young woman experiencing four separate incidents of sexual harassment during her day, with them increasing in severity. The film explains how we all need to challenge unacceptable behaviour and report crimes against women and girls:
In the build up to the festive season when more people are out and about celebrating with friends and colleagues, our pubs, clubs, towns and transport network should be areas where people of all genders feel safe, and where they know that the staff are looking out for their customers’ safety and welfare.
No one should be a victim of unwanted comments, intimidating behaviour or violence and everyone has a responsibility to think how their behaviour may be affecting others.
Nationally, one in every five women is concerned about sexual harassment when exercising and three in ten have experienced it first-hand.
We must break the cycle of misogyny where women feel at risk.
It is wrong that as a society that we put the burden of being safe at night on women and don’t do more to educate men and boys on how their behaviour can impact others. The campaign will hopefully stimulate discussion and change attitudes and behaviour.
Cumbria is one of the safest places to live, work and go out at night in England. However, incidents of sexual harassment, and more serious crimes against women, do occur.
Everyone has a part to play in reducing the threats to women and ensuring that everyone has an enjoyable and safe time when they are out in the evening, throughout the county.
“We are delighted be working with Peter McCall, Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, on this important campaign which brings this issue to the public’s attention. Hopefully this will stimulate discussions in families, workplaces, schools and colleges, and in our pubs and clubs, leading to a change in attitudes and behaviour.”
“Everyone has a part to play in helping to make Cumbria safer for women at night. We want people to be aware of the things they can do to help make women and girls feel safer, particularly at night, especially in the winter months, and in less well-lit areas. We are spelling out what constitutes a crime and how to report it, and therefore challenge perpetrators about their behaviour.
“If you know the identity of those who have carried out crimes against women or girls – and prefer not to speak directly to the police – then please contact our charity 100% anonymously. We never ask for your personal details. Since we began in the late 1980s, we’ve always kept our promise that everyone who contacts us stays 100% anonymous. Always. ”
"If you have information, please use our anonymous online form here on our website, or call our 24/7 UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.”
“Everyone has the right to feel safe when they are out at night and we all have a responsibility to make sure we are treating everyone with respect.
“Certain acts may seem harmless to one person but to the receiver it may seem threatening. It is so important that we understand how our actions and words can affect others.
“I would urge everyone out and about on dark nights, to treat each other with respect and, if you see anyone acting in an inappropriate or harmful manner towards a woman, call them out where it is safe to do so.
“This time of year is always busy with nights out and with the World Cup coming up, it will be even busier. Please look out for one another on the streets, make sure you are considerate of everyone and let’s make Cumbria an even safer place to live.”
Find out more about what exactly constitutes sexual harassment, the signs to spot and how you can report it whilst remaining 100% anonymous – guaranteed.
Please note that we cannot take information from victims, who need to speak directly to the police or seek help from the following organisations:
- The Bridgeway Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Penrith - 0808 118 6432
- Gateway 4 Women, Carlisle - 01228 212090
- Victim Support - independent charity in England & Wales that provides specialist practical and emotional support to victims and witnesses of crime. 08 08 16 89 111
