Initiative targets festive sex pests
Bar staff joining campaign against creeps
Police in Forth Valley this week launched a festive campaign aimed at helping revellers to avoid sexual predators.
The Ask for Angela initiative stresses the importance of consent in relationships and is backed by licensed premises.
Posters have been displayed in schools, colleges and Stirling University, plus pubs and clubs, NHS Forth Valley buildings and GP surgeries.
Forth Valley’s licensing department will also be delivering a seminar to premises selling drink on issues, such as what to do if a person has been the victim of a sexual offence, and supporting the Ask for Angela initiative.
Originally launched in Lincolnshire in 2016, the Ask for Angela campaign enables people who are feeling uncomfortable or unsafe on a date to go to the bar and discreetly ask for help.
Bar staff will then take action, such as helping them leave the premises safely and without the person who is causing them discomfort.
In addition, Forth Valley will be promoting other divisional and national Police Scotland campaigns which focus on consent and personal safety over the festive period.
Detective Inspector Michelle Findlay of Forth Valley’s Public Protection Unit said: “It’s important for us at this time of year, in particular with the increased number of social opportunities, to affirm the need for consent and explain what consent is.
“If, at any point, a person feels uncomfortable in a situation, they can go to the bar and ‘Ask for Angela’ and staff will provide discreet assistance. Alternatively, they can call police on 101 - always dialling 999 if a crime is ongoing.
“Sexual crimes are treated with the utmost seriousness by Police Scotland and we will continue to work with partners to raise awareness of such offences, as well as encourage people to report these to us.
DI Findlay continued: “We want people to enjoy the festive period, but to do so safely.
“Community officers will also be giving advice to all partygoers on how to safeguard themselves against any form of criminality throughout the festive period.
“This includes, if going to a house party or out on the town, planning in advance where you’ll be staying afterwards and how you’ll be getting both there and back.
Keep in contact with friends, and ensure that your phone is fully charged before you head out. Try to pace your drinking, if consuming alcohol, especially if people are buying drinks for you or if you’re not used to drinking.
“Again, report any suspicious behaviour to bar staff, officer or to Police Scotland on 101 - always call 999 if a crime is in progress or a suspect is nearby.”
For more advice on keeping safe over the festive period, please visit the ‘Festive Safety’ section of Police Scotland’s website at scotland.police. uk/keep-safe/festive-safety