Torbay Bars And Pubs Collaborate To Enhance Safety After High Harassment Reports

GATESHEAD, UK, March 27th, 2024 – In a significant move towards creating safer nightlife environments, seven more licensed venues in Torbay have been awarded the Shout-Up! certification. This initiative, spearheaded by Torbay Council, aims to eradicate sexual harassment in bars, pubs, clubs, and other licensed establishments. The recent certification brings the total number of participating venues to fifteen. This development is particularly timely, given a recent poll by Shout-Up! revealing that 73% of women and 36% of men have experienced sexual harassment during a night out in Devon.

The alarming statistics underscore the importance of the Shout-Up! initiative. According to the poll, not only have a vast majority of women faced harassment, but 68% of respondents have witnessed such incidents. Eunice Godinho, Assistant Manager at Otto – one of the newly certified venues – highlighted the broader societal benefits of the initiative, emphasizing the right of everyone to enjoy a night out without fear or discomfort.

To achieve Shout-Up! certification, venues must undertake several measures aimed at preventing sexual harassment. These include mandatory Bystander Intervention Training for all staff, conducted by experts from Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services. Additionally, venues must establish clear sexual harassment policies, create visible signage detailing their commitment to a harassment-free environment, and commit to regular reviews of their policies and training.

The latest establishments to receive Shout-Up! certification are:

• Offshore Bar
• Otto
• Revolution
• Soho
• The Riviera International Centre
• Twenty1
• VIVA

Mandy Barnes from Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services lauded the initiative's impact since its launch in November 2023. Over 150 staff members across various venues have been trained to understand and address sexual harassment effectively. Scott McKenna, General Manager at VIVA, expressed pride in contributing to Torbay's transformation into a safer and more inclusive nightlife destination.

The Shout-Up! initiative represents a proactive approach to tackling sexual harassment in nightlife settings. By equipping venue staff with the knowledge and tools to intervene effectively, Torbay Council is fostering an environment where everyone can enjoy their night out without fear of harassment. Venues interested in joining this commendable effort are encouraged to visit shoutup.org/torbay for more information.