LOCAL NEWS
Bristol Nights Bristol unites in zero tolerance of harassment of women with new Bristol Nights campaign.
The city demonstrates its zero-tolerance response to sexual harassment with expert training of Bristol’s night-time venue staff as well as Light Parade of unity through the city centre. A recent survey highlights that 100% of women in Bristol
Following a two-month research phase involving a range
have experienced sexual harassment in some form.
of Bristol audiences, this project will seek to improve
A new Bristol Nights campaign is set to tackle this type
public understanding of what constitutes harassment
of harassment head on.
and how often it happens. We know that many crimes against women at night go unreported but are widely
The project has an ambition to train 1,000 night-time
witnessed. This campaign invites bystanders to call
economy workers in dealing with incidents of sexual
out bad behaviour, while empowering those working
harassment. This introductory training has been specially
in the night-time economy to recognise and execute
designed in collaboration with the night-time economy and
a zero-tolerance response to harassment in their venues
VAWG agencies and delivered in partnership with Bristol
and workplaces.
City Centre BID. It has been developed by High Streets Task “Our nightlife communities care about the safety
Force Expert, Joanne Cox Brown,
and wellbeing of people enjoying our nightlife. This is This training will support venue staff to implement
such an important message. We need to let the people
a zero-tolerance approach in Bristol, while also promoting
of Bristol know that women deserve to feel welcome
the need for anyone witnessing any unwanted behaviour
in the city after dark and as such, we invite all Bristolians
in the city’s night-time economy to immediately call it out
to join our zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment.”
to staff. The project also includes a limited bursary for low-income and freelance night-time workers to be able
“Survey responses also demonstrate that the behaviours
to undertake the training.
which the public feel constitutes sexual harassment are also widely debated. This is telling of the complexity of
Night-time workers and businesses can sign up now to take
the issue and that a campaign highlighting what
part in training sessions throughout March.
constitutes sexual harassment as well as actions they should take when faced with an incident of harassment
The campaign from Bristol City Council utilises £282,000
is so critical.”
to improve women’s safety, following a successful bid for The campaign will feature ‘Shine A Light’ Parade. On
the Home Office’s Safety of Women at Night Fund.
the 24th of March, people from the night-time economy Carly Heath, Bristol Night-Time Economy Advisor, said:
in Bristol will lead groups through the city streets, dressed
“Improving the safety of women at night is vital,
in and carrying lights. The parade will end at Lloyd’s
and
achieved
Amphitheatre where speakers and artists will inspire
city.
the crowds with performances, poems and stories, inviting
a
without
challenge allies
which
cannot
throughout
be the
Bristol to join together in a zero-tolerance approach to the harassment of women in the city. To join the parade, join the Facebook event. More than 1,000 billboards and posters will be placed across the city, and content will be shared on social media to raise awareness and direct people to the campaign website for resources and support. 7
