Stop unwelcome sexual attention

Stop unwelcome sexual attention

18 December 2024

A NEW campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the unwelcome sexual attention women and girls experience in public places.

Newry, Mourne and Down and Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon councils have joined forces to spearhead the new initiative alongside local health trusts.

Women and girls can experience various types of sexual violence in public spaces, from unwelcome sexual remarks and touching to rape and femicide.

Sexual violence can happen on streets, in and around schools, public transportation, workplaces, parks, public toilets and even online.

The new #RespectMySpace campaign will focus the spotlight on raising awareness to the unwelcome sexual attention that women and girls can experience locally.

Whether it’s travelling home from a night out or going for a run in the local park, women can experience unwanted sexual harassment.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman Pete Byrne said the 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,” he said.

To support this work, the local council has partnered with Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Council and the South Eastern and Southern health trusts to promote the new campaign across local media and social media channels.

Jason Caldwell, the South Eastern Trust’s assistant director of Safeguarding and Family Support, 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,” he said.

“Collectively we must take a stand and take responsibility in ensuring all our spaces are safe for everyone, regardless of gender.”

His Southern health trust colleague, Donna Murphy, said its important women and girls feel safe whilst out and about in public spaces within local communities. 

“Everyone can play a part in changing this,” she said.

“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.”

For further information on the #RespectMySpace campaign visit www.newrymournedown.org/safeguarding while to talk to someone in confidence or to report a concern, contact the South Eastern Trust on  0300 100 0300 between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday or the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline 0808 802 1414. This is a 24-hour service.