Exeter bystanders training launch in bid to tackle harassment of women

The partnership encourages people to "access advice and resources"

A campaign has been launched to encourage people in Devon to "step up" if they see harassment of women and girls taking place in a public space.

Led by the Safer Exeter Partnership, it is also promoting free bystander intervention training.

The police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Devon and Cornwall said such action could be "potentially life-saving".

In 2022, the government launched a campaign to encourage people to call out harassment.

Free bystander training will advise people on how to intervene

Figures from the All-Party Parliament Group for UN Women found 71% of women of all ages in the UK had experienced some form of sexual harassment in a public space.

PCC Alison Hernandez said: "I am incredibly proud to be supporting this new campaign to encourage people to take effective and non-confrontational action when they witness antisocial behaviour or harassment towards women in our city."

She said "we must all do what we can to make Exeter a safer city and prevent violence and abuse on our streets".

"I encourage as many people as possible to register for the free bystander training, and better equip yourself with these potentially life-saving skills."

'Creating a distraction'

Nathan Eisenstadt, co-founder of Kindling Interventions, which is running the training, said: "The aim of the campaign is to get people thinking about what street harassment is and how to challenge it.

"Our bystander training takes this a step further, helping people to gain the confidence to notice and skilfully intervene in potentially harmful situations.

"Intervening can be as simple as creating a distraction, like asking for the time, checking in with someone we think might be at risk, or getting assistance from a friend or specialist [call an emergency service]."

The Safer Exeter Partnership includes Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and other organisations.