Community

3 May 2024 | 3 min |

Kingswood supports Council to keep women safe

South Gloucestershire Council has teamed up with Kingswood RFC to continue its priority to stamp out violence and abuse against women and girls which is both a central and local government priority.

Male and female rugby players from the club feature in a series of social media videos, highlighting the different forms of abuse against women and girls and how people can safely intervene if they witness it.

Sharing advice from the government’s Enough campaign, the videos also explain how to report an incident to the police and how to use the StreetSafe website to report a place which feels unsafe.

The Enough campaign aims to encourage everyone to recognise abusive and harmful behaviour against women and girls and gives advice on ways to intervene safely.

Abuse of women and girls includes a range of experiences and crimes such as: serious violence, stalking, harassment, verbal abuse and drink and drug spiking.

Tackling violence against women and girls and challenging associated behaviours is a priority for the South Gloucestershire Council and its Safer and Stronger Communities Strategic Partnership.

Interim Service Director for Community Safety at South Gloucestershire Council, Amie Copley, said: “Compared to the national picture, South Gloucestershire is a safe place to live
and work – but we recognise that not everyone feels safe. It’s everyone’s responsibility to tackle violence against women and girls, and this impactful campaign with Kingswood RFC highlights the many forms it can take. It also gives clear guidance of how people can intervene safely if needed."

Kingswood RFC chairman, Ian Starr, said: “Kingswood Rugby Club proudly stand with South Gloucestershire Council against all forms of violence against women and girls. Together we raise our voices, advocate for change, and strive for a community where every woman, of every age, feels safe and respected. The safety of women and girls is everybody’s business – and hopefully our videos can help to teach others how they can safely intervene if they witness abuse or harassment.”