What is 'ThisHasToStop'?

Definition of sexual harassment

The legal definition of sexual harassment is when someone carries out unwanted sexual behaviour towards another person that makes them feel upset, scared, offended or humiliated.

It is also when someone carries out this behaviour with the intention of making someone else feel that way. This means that it can still be sexual harassment even if the other person didn’t feel upset, scared, offended or humiliated.

What is the campaign and why is it important?

In recent years too many women in Redbridge have suffered at the hands of violent men, from the tragic and violent murders of Maria Rawlings and Zara Aleena to the everyday micro-aggressions that leave women and girls uneasy walking our streets.

We redoubled our commitment to tackling violence against women and girls by launching ThisHasToStop, a multi-year initiative to challenge sexist behaviour.

The campaign builds on the work of the Community Crime Commission, where residents reviewed crime across the borough and made recommendations for cutting crime and improving lives locally. Increasing the safety of women and girls was one of the Commission’s top priorities. We were determined to deliver on this objective and launched our new manifesto for women and girls in 2022

ThisHasToStop is informed by the experiences of local women and backed up by research into what works in preventing violent behaviours. It encompasses a wide ranging programme of activities, which has been delivered across council departments and in partnership with schools, community groups and businesses.

This campaign marks the start of a three year plan to transform the day-to-day experiences of women and girls. We have completed our pilot year of all activities and are working on evaluating and expanding based in 2024/2025.

Learn more about the ways in which local authorities use behavioural insights (PDF 80.2KB)

What is 'It’s the law'?

'It’s the law' is the second stage of the This Has To Stop campaign.

'It’s the law' highlights the councils innovative use of public space protection orders (PSPOs) making sexist street harassment now an offence in Redbridge. Actions that can be seen as harassment such as catcalling, making unwanted or suggestive comments, up-skirting and down-blousing etc are punishable by a fine and in some cases may be taken to court.

You will see local police and enforcement officers on banners, posters, and screens around the borough reinforcing this message. 

 

What is 'Step in' 

Step in school resources launched in March 2024. Step in is a series of 10-minute lessons teachers deliver to students, giving them practical information on how they can prevent the harassment of women and girls. These lessons are created for form times to be delivered by form tutors. The lessons are specially designed to draw boys into the conversation, creating new descriptive norms using real life scenarios in audio and visual form. Participating schools have a teacher's pack and all the necessary digital resources, including audio-visual materials. Our team delivers teacher training where requested. In addition, they have been supplied with badges, parent information letters and certificate templates.

What is 'Step into Secondary'

Step into Secondary was launched in June 2024. To help families prepare for the transition from Primary to Secondary School, Redbridge Council has worked with parents at two local schools to develop resources that share what to do in difficult situations and how and where young people can get help.

The printed, fold-out resource includes key messages for children about how to stay safe and treat others with respect. It also outlines advice for parents on how to support their child during this crucial time. Exploring six scenarios with the help of conversation starter questions, children learn how to approach tricky situations that they might encounter at secondary school – such as dealing with older pupils or being approached by a stranger.