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A hard-hitting new campaign is driving home the message that violence towards women and girls will not be tolerated on nights out in Middlesbrough.
The initiative comes ahead of International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8 and is supported by The Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Cleveland.
Campaign posters are currently displayed in bars, pubs and clubs across the town centre as well as Middlesbrough Bus Station and town centre car parks and pedestrianised areas which are used as walkways between the town’s most popular night-time spots.
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The message is ‘Girls just wanna have… a safe night out’ and points to details of how to contact or visit the Safehaven if females feel vulnerable.
Another message highlights the issue of incidents of harassment by males towards females, with a ‘No blame’ message displayed next to the female gender symbol while ‘just shame’ sits next to the male gender symbol.
According to the Rape Crisis website*, 6.5 million women in England and Wales have been raped or sexually assaulted since the age 16, which equates to one in four.
Kerri Brems, Sexual Violence Counsellor at ARCH Teesside, said: “On Teesside alone, that means 45,587 people have been impacted by sexual violence and abuse including sexual assault.
“We know from our work at ARCH that a significant proportion of this number are females living in Middlesbrough.
“Often the abuse happens at home but we know sexual harassment and abuse is happening across Teesside while women are simply trying to enjoy a night out.
“Upskirting, groping, touching and sexual comments are all forms of harassment, but unfortunately this behaviour is often normalised and part of a culture that then sees sexual violence and abuse embedded and accepted especially for women .
“We know the impacts of sexual violence are devastating and can have a ripple effect on survivors’ lives.”
Middlesbrough Council’s Public Protection team works closely with bars, pubs and clubs across the town and has delivered training to help nighttime workers spot signs of harassment and abuse.
According to recent data*, violent crime was the main type of crime committed in Middlesbrough from January 2024 – December 2024.
A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: “Working alongside Cleveland Police, we know that incidents of violence towards women and girls fall under the violent crime category, but all too often these victims are not coming forward for help for fear of being judged or not believed.
“Anyone on a night out in Middlesbrough can rest assured that bar staff and security staff are part of a support network of organisations that work together to monitor activity in the town and prevent serious incidents.
“If anyone does feel unsafe they can contact Safehaven on 01642 727333 and the CIPHER patrol car will come out to wherever they are to assist them or they can walk in to Safehaven if they need a space to rest and recover.”
- Safehaven is located within Middlesbrough Bus Station and is open Friday evenings until 3.30am and Saturday evenings (and Bank Holidays) until 4.30am.
Anyone in need of assistance on a night out can call 01642 727333.
To find out more, visit Safehaven | Middlesbrough Council
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