With the festive season in full swing, Dorset Police has issued advice to everyone who is out and about in the run up to Christmas to do what they can to keep themselves and everyone else safe. The force will also be actively keeping an eye out for sexually aggressive behaviour.
Superintendent Emma Sweetzer, Force Lead for tackling violence against women and girls, said: “Across the Force area you may see an increased police presence on our streets in the evenings in a bid to tackle harassment of women and girls. For instance in Weymouth the Neighbourhood Policing Team, supported by the Special Constabulary, will conduct dedicated operations to identify and disrupt predatory behaviour. This will also happen in Bournemouth.”
Unwanted attention, harassment or unwanted touching is unacceptable. Anyone who feels they are in a bad situation and are in a venue which offers the Ask For Angela service should approach staff and do just that, ask for Angela. Staff will help you get out of that situation, and will help you to exit the premises or call you a taxi discreetly and without fuss. If you’re not sure that Ask For Angela is available, talk to staff or security if you’re not in a safe situation.
The Home Office Enough campaign also offers advice on how everyone can step in and intervene, if it’s safe to do so, if they see someone being harassed or abused. Intervening doesn’t have to be dramatic or confrontational. Even small acts of recognition and support can help stop abuse. Here are four simple ways to help you step in safely – just think STOP: Say something. Tell someone. Offer support. Provide a diversion. Help stop it | ENOUGH
Superintendent Sweetzer said: “When you are out and about this Christmas and New Year, enjoy yourself. Plan how you’re getting home and never accept a lift from someone you don’t know. Familiarise yourself with the safe places and help points in our towns which have been funded and created by our local authorities and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Stick together with your friends and don’t be worried about asking for help from venue staff, police or partner agency workers who are out in the streets such as Community Safety Patrol Officers deployed by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “This Christmas I am urging every resident in Dorset to do all they can to prevent and help tackle violence against women and girls and other related offences.
“Along with an increased police presence on the streets, initiatives such as Ask for Angela, and safe places and help points in our towns across Dorset, we can all do our part to call out unacceptable behaviour. I would ask everyone to familiarise themselves with the Home Office ‘Enough’ campaign, which offers advice on how people can step in and intervene if they see someone being harassed or abused, if it is safe to do so.
“I am intent on driving down violence against women and girls offences and have pledged to tackle these harmful crimes as a crucial part of my Police and Crime Plan. This includes our recent successful bid for Safer Streets Funding, with many projects focusing on the safety of women and girls in the night-time economy.
“I hope all of Dorset’s residents have a happy and safe Christmas. Everyone should be able to go about their lives free from harassment or worse, and I am committed to ensuring women and girls are free from fear of violence not just this Christmas, but all year round.”
Superintendent Sweetzer concluded: “If you see someone being harassed or abused, step in if it’s safe to do so, or tell someone. And if you or anyone is in immediate danger, don’t hesitate to call 999. Dorset Police will be here for you this Christmas.
