Making nights out safe
SHOUT UP! CAMPAIGN HITS CITY CENTRE STRIP
REVELLERS are being urged to look out for the signs of sexual harassment while enjoying a night out on Newcastle’s famous Diamond Strip.
Shout Up! – a campaign to make Newcastle’s pubs, club and bars sex pest-free zones – launched in the Ouseburn area of the city in December.
And now the initiative is back for Easter, this time targeting Collingwood Street’s buzzing venues.
Devised by Newcastle City Council and Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland, the campaign aims to:
Help victims report sexual violence or harassment and make it the responsibility of everyone in the venue
Heighten awareness of sexual violence, with the hope that it can be prevented
Encourage pub, club and bar-goers to consider their moral responsibility and approach to harassment
Encourage venues and drinkers to understand the impact of sexual violence and harassment on patrons, the venue and the wider night-time economy
Dawn Bowman, from Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland, said: “We’re hugely encouraged by the support Shout Up! is receiving from the venues on Newcastle’s Diamond Strip.
“The success of the campaign in Ouseburn last year has certainly incentivised the ambassador venues this time around, and now we’re working together to make sure that all of our bars, pubs and clubs are safe for everyone, men and women, to enjoy.
“Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland will be delivering specialist training to the venue staff so that they understand the impact of sexual harassment on their patrons, on their reputation and on their business and will upskill them in how to react appropriately.”
Chairman of Safe Newcastle, councillor Nick Kemp, said: “We want Newcastle to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
“It’s simply not acceptable that anyone – male or female – should find themselves subjected to sexual harassment on a night out.
“I’m delighted to see this campaign being extended to other parts of the city. The premises who take part by enabling their staff to be trained in how to deal with sexual harassment are setting a good example to other licensees.
“I fully endorse this campaign which supports our wider efforts to train door staff, hotel staff and taxi drivers in safeguarding and vulnerability.”
Campaign organisers say research has shown that if bars adopt a zero-tolerance attitude to sexual harassment, people, especially women, will spend more money and time in the venues.
Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle Central, said: “I look forward to seeing the bars and clubs in our city saying loudly and clearly that sexual harassment of anyone, in any way, shape, or form will not be tolerated.”
The campaign arrives in Newcastle’s Diamond Strip this Easter, before heading to Jesmond in July.
The confirmed Ambassador Venues for the campaign launch on Good Friday are Tup Tup Palace, Flares and Retro, Madame Koo, Floritas and House of Smith.