White Ribbon

A recent YouGov survey of 500 Surrey residents showed that 47% of respondents wouldn't feel confident stepping in if they witnessed street harassment or unwanted attention. Would you know what to do?

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Help Stop It - Enough!

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It 's also marked as White Ribbon Day. This year White Ribbon are encouraging individuals and organisations to make consistent choices and actions so that we #ChangeTheStory for women and girls to live their lives free from the fear of violence.

In support of White Ribbon Day on 25 November and the following 16 Days of activism against gender based violence, Surrey's social media campaign will focus on the Government's 'Enough' Campaign. The focus of the campaign is to promote simple and safe ways to help stop the harassment and abuse of women and girls. Even small acts of recognition and support can help disrupt it. The campaign will focus on educating both professionals and the public on safe ways to help when you witness harassment.

Street harassment

Street harassment includes unwanted comments, gestures, or acts directed at someone in a public space without their consent and is abuse. It can include the following unwanted behaviours:

• Comments, requests, and demands
• Commenting on physical appearance, such as someone's body or the clothing they're wearing
• Continuing to talk to someone after they have asked to be left alone
• Intentionally invading personal space or blocking the way
• Persistent requests for someone's name, number, or other information
• Staring
• Taking a photo of someone without their consent
• Telling someone to smile
• Whistling or cat calling

Where these behaviours are part of a course of conduct, they may constitute a public order offence, or for more serious and persistent incidents, an offence of harassment or stalking.

Many of us have seen some form of abusive and harmful behaviour against women and girls, but it can be difficult to know whether to intervene. Some people worry they've maybe misread the situation and could make things worse. Some worry about putting themselves at risk. If you're unsure about whether to intervene, here are some key signs to look out for.

• Does the person look uncomfortable or upset?
• Are they trying to escape or move away?
• Do they seem frightened?
• When you make eye contact, do they respond in a way that makes you think they want help?

How to intervene safely

Intervening doesn't have to be dramatic or confrontational. Even small acts of recognition and support can help stop harassment or abuse. Here are four simple ways to help you step in safely – just think STOP.

Say something

You can show your disapproval at what is going on for example, by not laughing and saying, 'I don't think that's funny'. Or you could be more direct, if you feel it's safe to do so, by saying it's unacceptable and tell them to stop.

Tell someone

You could tell someone in charge, like the bar staff if you're in a pub or club, Human Resources (HR) if you're at work, or the train guard or bus driver if you're on public transport. You could also tell another member of the public or a passer-by and see if they're willing to help – working together can be a safer, more effective way to intervene. It is important to check in with the victim on who they want to tell, or if they want to call the police.

Offer support

You can ask the victim if they're OK. You could capture what's happening on your phone and ask if they want the footage to report the incident, and you could offer to help report it. You could also help others already giving support. If it's someone you know, check in with them when they are alone and offer to help or support them to report it if they want. If you think they might be in an abusive relationship, there is expert advice on what you can do and support available by calling the Surrey Domestic Abuse Helpline Tel: 01483 776822, 9am to 9pm, 7 days a week.

Provide a diversion

Sometimes what's best in the moment is creating a distraction, giving the person being targeted a chance to move away or giving others the opportunity to get help. You could strike up conversation with the victim, e.g. ask for directions, or where the next stop is on the bus, or pretend you know them. If you're at work, you could make up an excuse to speak to them about an unrelated task. You could also try dropping something nearby or creating some other minor commotion.

Depending on the situation, where you are and who's involved, you can use just one or a combination of these tactics. By standing against all forms of abuse, and holding perpetrators accountable, we can create a society where women and girls are safe.

If you think somebody is in immediate danger, call 999.

Stand Up Against Harassment Workshop (Suzy Lamplugh Trust) 6 December, 10.00am to 11.00am

A key priority in Surrey's partnership Violence Against Women & Girls Strategy is to create an anti-VAWG culture within our communities, workplaces, and our everyday lives. To support this aim we are delighted to invite you to attend a free, one-hour long, expert-approved 'Stand-Up Against Harassment' bystander intervention workshop, created by Right To Be, sponsored by L'Oreal Paris and delivered in the UK exclusively by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, on 6 December at 10.00am to 11.00am via Microsoft Teams. CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR FREE PLACE

This interactive training is highly relevant as a bystander response to all forms of street harassment, including sexual harassment, harassment against marginalised groups, and all forms of hate crime, empowering the learner to know how to support someone who is being victimised.

Street Safe

StreetSafe is a service that allows you to report safety concerns in public places without giving us your name (anonymously). This includes issues like poorly lit streets, abandoned buildings, or vandalism, as well as instances where you feel unsafe due to someone following or verbally abusing you. StreetSafe | Surrey Police

Please note: StreetSafe is not for reporting crimes or emergencies. If you witness a crime or emergency, please call the police on 101 or report a crime online. Report | Surrey Police

Examples of situations that should be reported to StreetSafe include a poorly lit alleyway that makes you feel unsafe or a park with broken equipment that poses a safety hazard.