An impactful, visual campaign has been launched in central Middlesbrough this week calling on people to report harassment of women and girls.
In a partnership with national charity Crimestoppers, Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner has commissioned the poster campaign urging people to call out problematic behaviour when they see it.
Posters include images of women using public spaces. They will appear on digital billboards on the Cleveland Centre and Marton Road, as well as outside and inside the area’s buses.
The campaign is part of the Safer Streets project – the third round of such funding secured by the PCC’s office. Safer Streets 4 aims to make Newport and Central Middlesbrough wards safer for women and girls.
In addition to the poster campaign, the Safer Streets investment of £381,771 funded improved CCTV and lighting. It has also helped to provide better support for victims and seen the re-launch of the Safe Place scheme in the town.
Not acceptable
Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner said: “In a survey we conducted last year, over 80% of female respondents said they felt unsafe living in the Cleveland area.
“This just isn’t acceptable. Everyone has the right to use public spaces without the fear of harassment, harm or abuse.
“Alongside the various safety measures implemented under Safer Streets, this campaign will make people think about behaviour they see others subjected to and encourage them to report it.”
Fleur Brown, North East Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said:
“We all need to challenge unacceptable behaviour by reporting crime against women and girls.
“Our charity believes everyone has the right to feel safe from crime and I would encourage anyone who has information to please do the right thing and report it.
“If you don’t want to go to the police for whatever reason, you have an option to stay anonymous.
“Contact Crimestoppers and we’ll pass it on for you. Our UK Contact Centre is open 24/7 on freephone 0800 555 111 or you can fill in a simple and secure anonymous online form on our website crimestoppers-uk.org. Together, we can help cut crime and make Middlesbrough safer for everyone.”