Public awareness and campaigns

We offer advice and training on policies, procedures and protocols for issues around sexual violence and harassment in the workplace. We also offer group and individual support in response to issues that may arise that effect staff. Topics covered include: how to support affected employees and colleagues; what steps to take when a colleague first discloses their experience to you; where to signpost them to specialist support. We also answer questions about what sexual violence is, the effects of trauma on the body and mind and give insight into the process and stages of recovery.

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Public awareness

Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre is dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence in all communities. We organise and support campaigns and initiatives that highlight to the issues within society, and educate the public on the resources available to them.

Tinder safety campaign

Since 2016 we’ve partnered the Police in a campaign to highlight the vulnerability of people meeting after making contact on social media. Although after you’ve ‘met’ someone online you may feel you know them, but they are still strangers. Two fake profiles (one of a man, and one of a woman) were registered on Tinder which, when ‘swiped right’ reminded the viewer of their vulnerabilities and their responsibilities. The campaign was positively discussed in the local press, radio media and social media – that Gloucestershire takes safety seriously and is actively making people aware of social danger[I’ve uploaded a folder full of screenshots from the campaing (people positively responding on Tinder to the ‘fake profiles’: take you pick!)

Ask Angela

We’ve worked in partnership again with the Police to launch this initiative in bars and clubs in Gloucestershire. Simply, if a woman feels they are in danger, or being sexually harassed she can simply go to the bar and ask a member of staff “to speak to Angela”. Staff know this is a code for them to take action to make the women safe (for example by taking her to a safe corner, evicting her ‘date’ or caling the authorities). Posters and stickers in the ladies’ loos explain the initiative. In 2017 Ask Angela’s effectiveness at Butler’s Bar in Gloucester was reported in The Independent and The Metro.

Find out more, and see if your favourite venues are part of the initiative: https://www.safergloucester.co.uk/Projects/Projects_Archive/Ask_Angela.aspx

Reclaim the Night

We organise an annual Reclaim the Night event which brings attention to the vulnerability of women to sexual assault after dark. Attracting around 100 people, and media attention, the 2017 event ended with a gig at The Swan on the High Street in Cheltenham which helped raised funds for our service too.

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Expert insight and advice

The contribution we make to wellbeing and safety in the community is recognised through funding support from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group.

We contribute to Gloucestershire’s Sexual Violence Task and Finish Group and county-wide Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence forums. We also advise on Police policy, training and awareness initiatives.

Media

We speak and comment on local and national issues and initiatives to local radio and press. Our active social media presence ensures that a local voice is given to national issues.

we have a video of Louise talking