Member Article

Shout-Up! returns this Easter to tackle sexual harassment in Newcastle City Centre

After a hugely successful launch of the Council-backed scheme in the Ouseburn Valley, Shout-Up! organisers now have the Diamond Strip in their sights

Shout-Up! – a campaign to make Newcastle’s pubs, clubs, bars and venues sexual harassment free zones – launched Phase 1 of its campaign in December last year in the Ouseburn Valley. Now, after the roaring success of Phase 1, the campaign is back this Easter looking to target City Centre venues along Newcastle’s Diamond Strip.

Shout-Up, devised by Newcastle City Council and Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland sets out its objectives to:

• Support victims to report sexual violence or harassment and make it the responsibility of everyone in the venue • Heighten awareness of sexual violence, with the hope that it can be prevented • Encourage pub, club and bar-goers to consider their moral responsibility and approach to harassment • Encourage venues and patrons to understand the impact of sexual violence and harassment on patrons, the venue and the wider night-time economy

Dawn Bowman, from Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland said, “We’re hugely encouraged by the support Shout-Up! is receiving from the venues on Newcastle’s Diamond Strip. The success of the campaign in Ouseburn last year has certainly incentivised the ambassador venues this time around, and now we’re working together to make sure that all of our bars, pubs and clubs are safe for everyone, men and women, to enjoy. Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland will be delivering specialist training to the venue staff so that they understand the impact of sexual harassment on their patrons, on their reputation and on their business and will upskill them in how to react appropriately.”

Chair of Safe Newcastle, Cllr Nick Kemp, said: “We want Newcastle to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone. It’s simply not acceptable that anyone – male or female – should find themselves subjected to sexual harassment on a night out. “I’m delighted to see this campaign being extended to other parts of the city. The premises who take part by enabling their staff to be trained in how to deal with sexual harassment are setting a good example to other licensees. I fully endorse this campaign which supports our wider efforts to train door staff, hotel staff and taxi drivers in safeguarding and vulnerability.”

Research* has shown that if venues adopt a zero-tolerance attitude to sexual harassment, people (women specifically) will spend more money in those venues. Furthermore, a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment results in longer dwell times, which only serves to improve the night-time economy offering in Newcastle City Centre.

Says Chi Onwurah MP for Newcastle Central: “Shout-Up! is a hugely important campaign and I’m proud that Newcastle City Council are tackling sexual harassment in the night-time economy. I look forward to seeing the bars and clubs in our city saying loudly and clearly that sexual harassment of anyone, in any way, shape, or form will not be tolerated. With the specialist training provided to venues by Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland and the awareness raising activity that supports the campaign, I’m confident that Shout-Up! will make Newcastle an even safer, and more pleasant place to enjoy during the evening.”

The campaign arrives in Newcastle’s Diamond Strip this Easter, before heading north to Jesmond in July. The confirmed Ambassador Venues for Phase 2 of the campaign launch on Good Friday are: Tup Tup Palace, Flares and Retro, Madame Koo, Floritas and House of Smith. Any other venues on the Strip wishing to be involved should visit www.shoutup.org

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nicky Mckeen .