Increased police patrols and bar staff training to keep women safe at night

A series of prevention initiatives are taking place to ensure women feel safer visiting bars and nightclubs across the city and county.

Violence against women and girls awareness patrols will be carried out in Newark, Sherwood, Bassetlaw and Nottingham city centre this weekend to raise awareness.

This is part of a week of action, which concludes on March 24, and is designed to help anyone who is feeling vulnerable on a night out to ensure they know the support that is available to them.

A total of 750 posters will be put up in bars around the city and county describing the steps that people can take if they feel vulnerable on a night out.

This can include concerns about a date they maybe on or if they are receiving unwanted attention at a bar or club.

Nottinghamshire Police are working with a series of venues across the city and county to ensure that women’s safety is paramount, and the right measures are put in place if any concerns are identified.

Neighbourhood policing teams will be visiting local bars to raise awareness and offering advice on how they can protect their customers.

Increased patrols will also be seen across the city and county during this weekend especially outside pubs, bars, and nightclubs.

There will also be advertisement vans in particular locations offering safety advice to women enjoying a night out.

Alongside this, Operation Cognition patrols will also look at the issue of Cocaethylene, the biological reaction which happens in the body when cocaine and alcohol are taken together.

The combination of these drugs at night can be a factor in domestic violence incidents.

Chief Inspector Mark Dickson, police lead for Violence Against Women and Young Girls (VAWG), said: “Protecting women and young girls from harassment, abuse and violence is a top priority for the force.

“We have a very vibrant night-time economy in Nottinghamshire, and we don’t want the actions of a few to make women feel fearful of visiting our city.

“This is why we are continuously working with our partners including venues to ensure that people feel safe visiting our night-time economy.

“No-one should feel intimidated and harassed on a night out.

“This operation is part of a national week of action. However, our work does not stop there as we continue all year round to keep women safe.

“There are also many simple prevention measures that people can take to ensure they do not fall victim to a crime."

Prevention Advice

Should you find yourself in a situation where you are uncomfortable during a night out, consider raising the alarm as soon as possible. Speak with staff in the venue and remain with friends if possible.

If you are not in a venue, consider calling the police immediately, especially if you feel unsafe. Also, look out for your friends and others, if you see someone being harassed or are worried for their safety, report the incident on their behalf.