South Gloucestershire Council has teamed up with Kingswood RFC to continue its priority to stamp out violence and abuse against women and girls.
Male and female rugby players from the club feature in a series of social media videos, highlighting the different forms of abuse against women and girls and how people can safely intervene if they witness it.
Video 1 (mens) – https://youtu.be/whuHcF4RE6Y
Video 2 (womens) – https://youtu.be/e8k4NIsdMtE
Sharing advice from the government’s Enough campaign, the videos also explain how to report an incident to the police and how to use the StreetSafe website (www.police.uk/pu/notices/streetsafe/street-safe/) to report a place which feels unsafe.
The Enough campaign (www.gov.uk/enough) aims to encourage everyone to recognise abusive and harmful behaviour against women and girls and gives advice on ways to intervene safely.
Abuse of women and girls includes a range of experiences and crimes such as:
- serious violence
- stalking
- harassment
- verbal abuse
- drink and drug spiking.
Tackling violence against women and girls and challenging associated behaviours is a priority for the council and its Safer and Stronger Communities Strategic Partnership.
Interim Service Director for Community Safety at South Gloucestershire Council, Amie Copley, said: “Compared to the national picture, South Gloucestershire is a safe place to live and work – but we recognise that not everyone feels safe.
“Violence against women and girls is a priority set by our Safer and Stronger Communities Strategic Partnership and we are very pleased to be working with local clubs and organisations to raise awareness of this issue.
“It’s everyone’s responsibility to tackle violence against women and girls, and this impactful campaign with Kingswood RFC highlights the many forms it can take. It also gives clear guidance of how people can intervene safely if needed.
“Of course, this campaign is just one piece of the bigger picture. We have a lot of work planned for the next year, including school workshops on toxic masculinity and gender stereotypes, and delivering bystander training at various pubs and bars in South Gloucestershire.”
Kingswood RFC chairman, Ian Starr, said: “Kingswood Rugby Club proudly stand with South Gloucestershire Council against all forms of violence against women and girls.
“Together we raise our voices, advocate for change, and strive for a community where every woman, of every age, feels safe and respected.
“The safety of women and girls is everybody’s business – and hopefully our videos can help to teach others how they can safely intervene if they witness abuse or harassment.”
For further information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/vawg
