The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Humberside has launched the #JustDont campaign ahead of the start of FIFA Men’s World Cup.
Working with the Humber Violence Prevention Partnership, of which Hull City Council is part of, the campaign aims to challenge everyday harassment and harmful behaviour faced by women and girls.
Ahead of the start of the World Cup tomorrow, campaign materials have been distributed to venues across Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.
A World Cup summer is a time for more gatherings, heightened emotions and increased alcohol consumption.
#JustDont seeks to make the prevention of all abuse the role of everyone so that the festival of football can be enjoyed together.
#JustDont has been designed in collaboration with young men aged 15 to 22 to empower their peers to step up and challenge friends to change the culture, with simple and practical ways to intervene in a safe manner.
At least 86 per cent of young women in the UK have experienced sexual harassment in public spaces.
Extensive research revealed that many young men can recognise inappropriate behaviour but often lack confidence to challenge it.
The campaign offers simple advice with the aim of providing that confidence to not only act in the moment but also seek to change the culture in the long term.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside, Jonathan Evison, said: “Women and girls have the right to go about their lives without fear of any form of harassment.
“The #JustDont campaign urges men and boys to think about their own actions and those of others to help change abusive mindsets and culture.
“The World Cup this summer is the perfect time to kick the campaign into overdrive, with large gatherings, alcohol and heightened emotions.
“We want everyone to enjoy all of that together, in a safe, welcoming and respectful environment.
“To do that, we need men to challenge harmful jokes, speak out against disrespect and step in when they see abuse and harassment occurring.
“We can change the culture, promote respect and help end harassment and harmful behaviour.”
Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for communities and community safety, Councillor Ted Dolman, said: “The World Cup can be a great way for people in our city to come together and celebrate the beautiful game.
“But that only works if people are respectful of each other, including knowing where to draw the line with behaviour towards women and girls which can make them feel unsafe.
“We back the #JustDont campaign, as it aims to reduce everyday harassment and harmful behaviours.”
The campaign features a collection of materials to raise awareness and drive participation both online and offline.
To access the materials, click HERE.
Available assets include:
- Campaign brand guidelines
- Social media videos and stills
- A4 and A3 posters, beer mats, business cards with key messages
- Social media toolkit with ready-to-use copy