Scheme launched to tackle sexual harassment in Torbay bars

Eight venues have signed up to a campaign to tackle sexual harassment in pubs, bars and clubs.

The Shout-Up! campaign focusses on improving safety, and training staff to understand and intervene.

It is being trialled as part of Torbay Council's Safer Streets programme.

Councillor Hayley Tranter said it was "adding to our already robust programme of activity to make Torbay a safe, inclusive and vibrant town".

Ms Tranter, Torbay Council's cabinet member for adult and community services, public health and inequalities, said: "Research shows that people, and especially women, will spend more time in bars, pubs and clubs where they feel safe and where sexual harassment is dealt with.

"We're very pleased that eight venues, with 91 members of staff, have already completed the programme and are now certified Shout-Up! venues.

"We hope to see more venues follow suit, so everyone visiting Torbay for a night out can do so safely."

The eight venues are Rock Garden, Pier Point, Apple and Parrot, Attic, Decades, Foundry, Park Lane and Stage Door.

Victoria Godfrey, general manager for JAM Leisure, which has certified all six of their premises, said: "No-one should have to work or go out in fear of sexual abuse.

"Nightclubs and bars should be a place to have fun and feel safe while doing so.

"Working with Shout-Up! to create change in all our premises here at JAM Leisure is our way of challenging sexual harassment."

Criteria for becoming a certified venue include training for all staff, having publicly available sexual harassment policies, and having visible signage of what customers can expect to happen if there are any incidents.

The training and coaching is delivered by a team at Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services.

Mandy Barnes from the service said they are looking for other establishments to get involved, and they "hope to certify at least 20 venues in Torbay over the coming months".

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