A new campaign aimed at stopping everyday behaviours that make women and girls feel unsafe has launched across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The ‘Just Don’t’ campaign from the Safer BCP partnership encourages men and boys to reflect on their own actions and to speak out if their friends act inappropriately. It focuses on behaviours such as catcalling, following, and unwanted comments.
The campaign is supported by BCP Council, Dorset Police, the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, and several local organisations including AFC Bournemouth and STARS Dorset.
Councillor Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, said the campaign is focused on education and creating lasting change. He said the aim is to promote healthy masculinity and challenge misconceptions that lead to harassment.
Workshops and engagement events are being held throughout the conurbation in schools, gyms, leisure centres, and with local businesses. Last month, BCP Council’s Community Safety team ran a session at Bournemouth and Poole College to discuss types of harassment, their impact, and how to challenge them.
STARS Dorset is also delivering outreach on Bournemouth Beach over the summer. Suzy Lamplugh Trust is offering free online bystander training in July to help people safely intervene if they witness harassment.
The Council has already upgraded street lighting and CCTV and launched the BCP Unity Promise, which now includes more than 25 businesses committed to supporting women’s safety in the town centre.
BCP Council also gained White Ribbon Accreditation last year, recognising its action plan to tackle violence against women and girls over the next three years.
The campaign’s central message encourages people to take responsibility: “If you witness inappropriate behaviour, or if you’re unsure about your own, just don’t.”