No-one should live in fear of abuse

Let’s all be part of the change. Everyone can do something to challenge the abuse of women and girls.

Abuse takes many forms

It can be emotional, physical, sexual or financial. It can be words or actions. At home or in the street. It can be inflicted by a partner, ex-partner, family member, colleague, friend or stranger. It can be in person, through technology and online.

Whatever form it takes, abuse is never justified. Any behaviour that demeans, frightens or distresses is abuse. It has to stop.

Knowing what abuse is helps us all recognise it when it happens. We can all do something to keep women and girls safe.

Help stop abuse

There are many simple and safe ways to help stop the abuse of women and girls. Even small acts of recognition and support can help disrupt it. Here are four ways you can step in safely – just think STOP.

Say something

You could say something to the abuser, like ‘I don’t think that’s funny’. Or you could be more direct and tell them to stop.

Tell someone

You could tell someone in charge, like the bar staff if you’re in a pub, HR if you’re at work or the bus driver if you’re on public transport.

Offer support

You could give support to both the victim and to others who are already intervening.

Provide a diversion

You could create a distraction to interrupt what’s happening and give the person being targeted a chance to move away.

29% of workers said they experienced some form of sexual harassment in a working environment in 2020.

The Long Walk Home, Hollyoaks

Hollyoaks writer Jayshree Patel has explained why she decided to pitch Maxine’s ‘The Long Walk Home’, saying that men also have a “responsibility” to make sure women feel safe in public spaces.

“We have this thing about how ‘it’s not all men’ and that is correct but, all men do have a responsibility, and it’s the thin end of the wedge. At the end of the day, what we are asking for is quite simple – to go out, have a drink, meet our friends and go home safely.

Maxine finds herself navigating her way home alone after a fun girls’ night out, which ends in her being violently attacked.

After being assaulted, Maxine blames herself. The only person to blame is the attacker. It was his choice to attack her.

We’ve had ENOUGH. Women shouldn’t have to change their behaviour to ‘stay safe’, we all have the right to be safe.

50% of women aged 16-34 experienced at least one form of harassment between June 2020 and June 2021.

Help stop it

Many of us have seen some form of abusive and harmful behaviour against women and girls, but it can be difficult to know whether to intervene. Some people worry they’ve maybe misread the situation and could make things worse. Some worry about putting themselves at risk. If you’re unsure about whether to intervene, here are some key signs to look out for.

Does the person look uncomfortable or upset?
Are they trying to escape or move away?
Do they seem frightened?
When you make eye contact, do they respond in a way that makes you think they want help?

How to intervene safely

Intervening doesn’t have to be dramatic or confrontational. Even small acts of recognition and support can help stop abuse. Here are four simple ways to help you step in safely – just think STOP.

Say something – You can show your disapproval at what is going on for example, by not laughing and saying, ‘I don’t think that’s funny’. Or you could be more direct, if you feel it’s safe to do so, by saying it’s unacceptable and tell them to stop.
Two women talking in an office.
Tell someone – You could tell someone in charge, like the bar staff if you’re in a pub or club, Human Resources (HR) if you’re at work, or the train guard or bus driver if you’re on public transport. You could also tell another member of the public or a passer-by and see if they’re willing to help – working together can be a safer, more effective way to intervene. It is important to check in with the victim on who they want to tell, or if they want to call the police.
Offer support – You can ask the victim if they’re OK. You could capture what’s happening on your phone and ask if they want the footage to report the incident, and you could offer to help report it. You could also help others already giving support. If it’s someone you know, check in with them when they are alone and offer to help or support them to report it if they want. If you think they might be in an abusive relationship, there is expert advice on what you can do and support available online or on the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
Provide a diversion – Sometimes what’s best in the moment is creating a distraction, giving the person being targeted a chance to move away or giving others the opportunity to get help. You could strike up conversation with the victim, e.g. ask for directions, or where the next stop is on the bus, or pretend you know them. If you’re at work, you could make up an excuse to speak to them about an unrelated task. You could also try dropping something nearby or creating some other minor commotion.

Depending on the situation, where you are and who’s involved, you can use just one or a combination of these tactics. By standing against all forms of abuse, and holding perpetrators accountable, we can create a society where women and girls are safe.