A new, hard hitting campaign raising awareness of the unwelcome sexual attention that women and girls experience in public spaces has been launched.
The #RespectMySpace campaign aims to show that this unwelcome behaviour – which includes anything from sexual remarks and touching, to rape and femicide – can happen anywhere at anytime. On the street, in and around schools, public transport, workplaces, parks, public toilets and even online.
The campaign is being delivered in partnership by Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council as well as the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.
The #RespectMySpace campaign focuses on raising awareness of this unwanted harassment that women and girls experience here in our local community, whether it’s travelling home from a night out or going for a run in the local park.
“I am proud to stand behind the #RespectMySpace campaign, which boldly addresses the harsh reality that women and girls can face unwelcome sexual attention anywhere and at anytime,” commented Councillor Sarah Duffy, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon.
“Whether on the street, at work, in schools, or online, this behaviour must not be tolerated. This campaign is a call to action for all of us to recognise that sexual harassment against women and girls needs to end and that we all must play our part in ensuring that we all feel safe, valued, and free from fear in public spaces.”
Newry, Mourne and Down District Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “This campaign aims to highlight various scenarios faced by women and girls in public spaces as they go about their daily lives. It’s vital that everyone understands what violence against women and girls is, including its root causes, to play an active role in preventing it.”
Donna Murphy, Assistant Director, Family Support and Safeguarding, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, said, “It’s so important that women and girls feel safe whilst out and about in public spaces within our local communities. Everyone can play a part in changing this. We are asking people to make small but significant changes to their behaviour to help women and girls feel safe when accessing public spaces. This includes men calling out others when their behaviours may make women and girls feel unsafe.”
Jason Caldwell, Assistant Director, Safeguarding & Family Support, South Eastern Health Social Care Trust, said, “Calling a space a safe space is not enough. We need to create a culture of trust where women and girls are not subject to unwanted attention, catcalling, harassment or to be made uncomfortable in our public spaces. Collectively we must take a stand and take responsibility in ensuring all our spaces are safe and equal regardless of gender”.
Both the Health Trusts are ensuring that their teams are on hand to support anyone who needs help or support. The key phone numbers which are promoted as part of this partnership are as follows:
Southern Health and Social Care Trust 028 3576 7100
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust: 0300 100 0300
24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline: 0808 802 1414.
The campaign is also supported by a range of online resources which are available here: www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/safeguarding
