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Council Campaign Calls Out Attitudes That Lead To Violence Against Women And Girls

A new campaign aims to tackle sexual violence on the Isle of Wight.

Step Up has been jointly unveiled today (Monday) by the Isle of Wight Council and Portsmouth City Council.

The campaign asks people to 'step up' to challenge their own attitudes and speak out if they see or hear others behaving badly.

Supported by the Home Office's Safety of Women at Night Fund, the campaign is targeted at challenging how some people think and act on a night out on the Island.

Cllr Ian Stephens, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet lead for community safety, said:

"Around 80 per cent of reported sexual offences on the Island have a female victim, with a high percentage committed against women under 24 years old.

"Island men have a vital role in helping make the Island a safer environment. Now is the time to learn how you can step up against violence towards women and girls."

The campaign is one of several related initiatives being rolled out by both councils in partnership with local organisations including Paragon, People Matter Isle of Wight and Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling Service (PARCS).

Supported by funding from the Home Office and the Hampshire Police Crime Commissioner, the programme aims to raise awareness of violence against women and girls in the community and support people who have experienced harassment and sexual violence.

Local support for people who have suffered harassment or abuse is available online.

Additional support

  • Isle of Wight Independent Sexual Violence Adviser Hampton Trust  02380 009898 or visit their website
  • The Island’s domestic abuse support service Paragon 0800 234 6266
  • Treetops Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) 023 9221 0352
  • Southampton Rape Crisis: 023 8063 6313
  • Hampshire Constabulary: 101 or 999 in an emergency
  • Broken Rainbow (LGBT): 0300 999 5428
  • Local support is available for women and girls affected by sexual violence through Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling (PARCS): www.parcs.org.uk
  • You can use the pilot service StreetSafe to anonymously tell the police about public places where you have felt or feel unsafe.

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