Dont stand by, Step in

As a council we aim to use our voices to reduce sexist harassment. However, when witnessing disrespecting behaviours’, it is not always easy to know what to do.

The mission of ‘Don’t Stand By, Step In’ is to empower all of us to stand up against sexist harassment and ensure the safety and wellbeing of the women and girls in Redbridge.

Each of us has an important role in preventing sexist harassment. But it’s important to learn how to safely step in if you witness an incident. This is not about confrontation. It is about de-escalating and interrupting sexist harassment. Together we can create a safer borough for us all.

3 key steps  Hand holding three fingers up

If you witness sexist harassment there are 3 key steps you need to know to ensure your safety and the woman affected. But before you make a move take a moment to check out what’s going on, then:

1. Distract him- maybe ask for some directions or about what bus to take to your destination. There are many options, just assess what works best in the situation.

  1. Support her- Find the right moment to discreetly approach the woman being harassed. You may ask her if she’s ok and needs any help. Or maybe pretend that you know her and strike up a conversation that could lead you to guide her away from the perpetrator.
  2. Get help -In most cases, getting help is finding another person to help de-escalate the situation for example talking to a bus driver or shop keeper. But if the situation requires call the police. It’s also worth reporting after the event on 101. In that way police can monitor times and locations where these crimes happen.

It’s key not to put yourself or anyone else in danger. If the situation looks dangerous always call the police on 999.

Keep these steps with you

We’ve produced some wallet sized reminder cards to help you. Pick yours up in will be including libraries and gyms across the borough – or drop us an email csp@redbridge.gov.uk for yours. You might want to share them with family members too.

Don’t Stand By, Step In workshop

We all need to know how to stand up against harassment. Why not take the next step and take part in a workshop with friends, colleagues or community groups?

Our 30-minute bystander workshop is impactful and easy to deliver. It is tailored both for young audiences and intended for local organisations to develop the skills to safely intervene when witnessing sexist harassment. The workshop includes relatable scenarios and easy to follow exercises and tips.

Community leader Irfan Shah, CEO and youth worker at Frenford Clubs and Nathan Singleton, CEO of Lifeline Projects. Share insights into how they support young people to step in and challenge sexist behaviours

Download the workshop guide

Download workshop slideshow (PDF 704KB)

For more tips and guidance on how to deliver the workshops watch the videos below from our Real Men, Irfan Shah and Nathan Singleton.

 

What can your local organisation do?

Join us and commit to ‘Don’t Stand By, Step in’. Sexism happens everywhere, but by opening up the discussion in your organisation, or leading one of the workshops you’ll be spreading awareness and reinforcing the message that there is no place for sexist harassment in Redbridge.

You’re not on your own – our community safety team is here to help ensure you have the support you. Just drop us an email csp@redbridge.gov.uk to find out how we can help.  

Group posing in front of screen after doing workshop

Report

To report sexual harassment to the police either call 101 or go online to the Metropolitan Police website. In an emergency always call 999.

If you would like to report an incident anonymously you can report to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or report online.

Support

If you need support or assistance, please access the organisations below:

Rape Crisis

  • Help for women and girls who have experienced sexual violence.
  • rapecrisis.org.uk

Victim Support

  • Support for people who have experienced or witnessed a crime.
  • victimsupport.org.uk

The Havens

  • Support for anyone in London who has been raped or sexually assaulted in the past 12 months including men, women, young people and children of all ages.
  • thehavens.org.uk

NIA – East London Rape Crisis

  • Support service in East London for women and girls who have experienced any form of sexual violence.
  • niaendingviolence.org.uk

Specialist support for children

Childline 08001111

  • Counselling service for children provided by NSPCC.
  • childline.org.uk

Childnet

  • Information on internet safety, including online harassment.
  • childnet.com