Safeguarding women and girls from violence and harm
2024-11-26 21:00
We’re not just for safeguarding of children and adults at risk but all people. 25th November is White Ribbon Day aimed at preventing violence against women and girls. Violence against women and girls is rooted in harmful masculine norms. We must address the attitudes and behaviours of men that contribute to a fear of violence for women in their day-to-day lives. This must start at an early age and teaching boys and men to be accountable for their behaviour and become allies.
The need is seen in the experiences of women and girls across the UK. Stats White Ribbon Day have pulled together show:
70% of women in the UK say they have experienced sexual harassment in public. (APPG for UN Women, 2021)
3 in 5 women have experienced sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse in the workplace. (Trade Unions Congress, 2023)
15% of women in England, and 17% of women in Wales have experienced online violence. (Professor Olga Jurasz, The Open University, 2024)
Nearly a quarter (24%) of girls in mixed sex schools said they had experiences of unwanted sexual touching in school. (EVAW, 2023)
1.4 million women experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023. (ONS, 2023)
With 63% of men agreeing that men in society aren’t doing enough to ensure the safety of women and girls, (YouGov, 2021), what should we be doing?
Call out inappropriate language – use gender neutral language yourself.
Learn how to, and call out, seemingly ‘harmless’ conversations, ‘jokes’ and behaviour.
Make sure that you know how to signpost people to support services, when appropriate. White Ribbon have collated the following suggestions.
In addition, as a Train Passenger it is often easy to stand by and do nothing to witness aggressive people on platforms or stations towards not only staff but also other members of the public, but did you know that the British Transport Police have now made their 61016 text messaging service free to all major UK Networks (Three UK, Vodafone, O2 (Telefónica UK) and EE)? This gives us all the opportunity not just to stand by, but not to accept the behaviour we witness by inaction through fear of confrontation, getting abused or drawn in ourselves. There are discreet safe ways to do our part to stamp this out and bring about a safer environment for all.
A specific example of a threat to woman that is currently in the news is ‘spiking’
In recent years, the issue of drink spiking has emerged as a pervasive threat to women’s safety. Cases of spiking have sparked outrage and fear especially as this atrocious act disproportionately affects women.
This is in the news currently as while spiking is already illegal, the government has committed to naming it as a specific criminal offence. Thanks to the pressure create by things like White Ribbon Day, the government was responding to a push from charities "on the front line" who wanted legislation on spiking to be made clearer. Jess Phillips the safeguarding minister is stated as saying, “These things only work if training is rolled out regularly and training becomes part of the culture of an institution."
The impacts of spiking can be long lasting so how do we address this problem, not just in real time but at a societal level and support the broader protection for women in social environments.
Understanding the Scope of the Problem
Spiking is a deliberate act of adding drugs or alcohol to someone’s drink without their knowledge or consent, often to make them vulnerable to theft or assault. Despite awareness campaigns, the prevalence of spiking remains alarming and reports from various regions indicate a rise in incidents.
Women, as primary victims, face not just physical harm but also significant emotional and psychological impacts. The fear of being spiked discourages many from enjoying social activities, impacting their freedom. In extreme cases, spiking has led to long-term trauma and distrust of public spaces.
The Broader Implications for Women’s Safety
Spiking is not an isolated issue but rather a symptom of a larger societal problem the White Ribbon Day aims to create awareness for —gender-based violence and the lack of adequate safeguards for women. Women frequently navigate public and social spaces with heightened caution, constantly weighing potential risks; a fear compounded by spiking.
Spiking has far-reaching consequences:
Loss of Autonomy: Victims often describe feeling powerless, a violation that extends beyond the immediate act.
Health Risks: The drugs used in spiking can have severe physical repercussions, including memory loss, nausea, and even life-threatening reactions.
Social Isolation: Fear of being spiked may lead women to avoid nightlife or other public events, curbing their social interactions.
Addressing Spiking: Key Strategies
Protecting women from spiking requires a multifaceted approach, combining policy changes, community action, and cultural shifts. Below are key strategies to address the issue effectively:
1. Strengthening Regulations and Enforcement
Governments and law enforcement agencies must prioritise anti-spiking measures. This includes:
Law changes: As mentioned, spiking is already illegal but the government has committed to naming it as a specific criminal offence.
Mandatory Reporting Protocols: Clear guidelines for establishments to report suspected cases of spiking promptly.
Licensing Conditions: Venues should adhere to strict safety standards to retain their licenses.
A recent watch out here is the news that Heaven (a London nightclub), whilst has it’s problems, followed the reporting of crime protocols at their venue only for that to be used against the in their licensing agreement. They won’t be the only venue with these challenges but, without knowing the finer details, their honesty could be their undoing. We have to accept and understand there is going to be some ‘uncomfortable’ moments initially when we start to uncover the scope of the issue and applaud those who do report all the issues transparently.
2. Empowering Hospitality Workers
Hospitality staff are the first line of defence in preventing spiking. Comprehensive training programs should teach them to:
Identify signs of spiking or suspicious behaviour.
Ask for Angela is a great example of how hospitality workers can help protect women in any circumstance. This is not widely known/adopted though and improvements can be made alongside wider customer safeguarding training for hospitality workers.
Respond appropriately to suspected cases.
Support victims while ensuring their safety and comfort.
3. Technological Innovations
Technology offers innovative solutions to mitigate the risk of spiking. These include:
Drink Covers: Simple devices like cup lids can prevent tampering.
Surveillance Systems: Enhanced security measures in venues can deter offenders and aid in investigations.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns
Education plays a vital role in combating spiking.
·Inform people about the signs of spiking and how best to protect yourself and your friends.
Promote bystander intervention, encouraging witnesses to step in and help potential victims.
Address societal attitudes that normalize or trivialize spiking.
5. Accountability for your group
One key element for us is social groups need to ensure no one is left alone, everyone you are out with needs to be protected and as a group, take accountability everyone gets home safe. We often see this in sport teams when they go out on socials, there is a natural mindset to ‘protect’ the team and also go so far as to self-police unruly behaviour as well as ensuring the group all have a safe evening. With Christmas parties at this time of year it’s easy to have a few too many and work colleagues might not socialise that often so it’s easier for someone to go missing from the group without realising it.
Broader Protections for Women
While combating spiking is critical, it must be part of a larger effort to ensure women’s safety in all aspects of life. A holistic approach includes:
1. Cultivating Safer Environments
Communities should work toward creating spaces where women feel safe and supported. Initiatives might include:
Women-only Areas: Some cities have experimented with women-only zones in public transportation or nightlife venues to reduce risks.
Safety Apps: Mobile apps can help women connect with trusted friends or authorities in emergencies.
2. Changing Cultural Narratives
Society must shift its focus toward holding perpetrators accountable and fostering a culture of respect and consent. Campaigns like “It starts with men” emphasize educating men and boys about the importance of respecting boundaries.
3. Expanding Support Networks
Victims of spiking and other gender-based violence need robust support systems. This includes:
Counselling Services: Accessible mental health resources to help victims recover from trauma.
Legal Assistance: Ensuring victims have access to legal guidance and protection.
Community Support Groups: Peer-led initiatives where victims can share experiences and seek encouragement.
The Role of Society in Safeguarding Women
Addressing spiking and ensuring women’s safety is not just the responsibility of individuals or specific organisations—it requires collective effort. Everyone, from policymakers and law enforcement to community members, has a role to play.
Policy Makers: Implement and enforce laws that prioritise women’s safety.
Businesses: Invest in training and technology to prevent incidents within their premises.
Individuals: Advocate for cultural change, intervene when witnessing suspicious activities, and educate the next generation about respect and consent.
Tackling violence against women and girls requires urgent action on multiple fronts: stricter regulations, community involvement, technological solutions, and cultural change. We need to create a society where they can enjoy public and social spaces without fear. It’s time to shift the narrative from protecting women to empowering them and holding offenders accountable. Safeguarding women is not just a moral imperative—it is a cornerstone of building an equitable and respectful society.