Businesses Against Abuse (BAA) is a free accreditation in which businesses and organisations across Cleveland can prove themselves to be safe spaces for people in need. The scheme is open to all sectors — including retail, the night-time economy, hospitality, and transport.
The BAA model was first launched in Cambridge in 2024, where thousands of staff have since been trained to help prevent violence and protect vulnerable people. Cleveland aims to build on this success and extend its impact across the region.
Access Businesses Against Abuse training and resources below.
Businesses Against Abuse training and resourcesWhat the Scheme Offers
A representative from each business or organisation will be required to attend an event where they will be trained in recognising predatory behaviours, how to deal with it and the appropriate reporting processes. This will include Violence Against Women and Girls, Child Exploitation and Knife Crime including controlling a catastrophic bleed.
Attendees will be provided with content packs and access to online resources to share with further staff members in order to achieve the accreditation. Participants will receive specialist training delivered by professionals from Ivison Trust, ARCH, St John Ambulance, and EVA Women’s Aid. The training will help staff:
- Spot signs of predatory or harmful behaviour
- Understand how to respond safely and effectively
- Know the correct reporting processes and next steps
The PCC has committed funding for eight training sessions in 2026, offering a mix of in-person and online opportunities:
- Face-to-face sessions in Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Hartlepool, and Redcar & Cleveland
- Four additional online sessions
What is BAA working towards?
- Reduction of serious violence in public space areas, specifically Town Centres.
- Improving the perceptions of town centre and encouraging more visitors and repeat visitors to the area.
- Increased footfall and increased profits for business across Cleveland.
- Purple Flag Award, an accreditation for town centres that can provide a safe and well-managed night time economy.