Keep Yourself Safe
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We wanted to remind everyone about the safety initiative 'Ask for Angela' which is used in pubs, bars, clubs and other licensed businesses and aims to reduce sexual violence, whereby people who feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened can discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking them for 'Angela'. The phrase will indicate to staff that they require help in their situation and a trained staff member will assist them to safety. Any premises that has signed up for the scheme will display a poster, normally in the toilets.
The phrase was recently successfully used in Trowbridge when a customer used it to get the attention of staff members. Staff immediately understood that the person was asking for assistance and kept them safe until the police arrived to deal with the situation.
Bars, restaurants, cinemas, and other night-time venues are also being encouraged to sign up to the Safety at Night Charter, developed by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon in partnership with Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council.
By voluntarily signing the charter, businesses are agreeing to proactively tackle the issue of safety within the night-time economy by taking on pledges, including taking responsibility for calling out disrespectful or harmful behaviour, appointing a champion for night-time safety, using initiatives such as 'Ask for Angela' and creating an environment to enable staff and public to report incidents.
Wiltshire businesses already signed up to the Safety at Night Charter include: -
• Brown Street - Salisbury
• Salisbury Pride UK - Salisbury
• Prestbury Sports Bar - Warminster
• CrossFit Civitas Gym - Melksham
• The Muck and Dunder rum bar cafe - Devizes
• The Rising Sun - Trowbridge
• The Harp and Crown, Corsham - Wiltshire
• B-Fit, Outdoor Fitness - Tidworth
• The Flemish Weaver - Corsham
• Safer and Supportive Salisbury Community Group and Charity
By going to a venue or using a service that is participating in the Safety at Night Charter, you'll know that you are in a safe environment with fully-trained staff who take the responsibility of their customers seriously, with fully operational CCTV and other safety initiatives.
You can find out more about 'Ask for Angela' by going to https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/1113/Ask-for-Angela
You can find out more about the Safety at Night charter by clicking [here].
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