Bristol Nights, the initiative by Bristol City Council, has been recognised for its groundbreaking efforts in enhancing safety within the city's vibrant night-time economy. Recently, it won the Best Night Time Economy Initiative at the prestigious Music Cities Awards for its innovative Women's Safety Charter. This charter is a seven-point code of commitments designed to empower venues and businesses to tackle harassment and discrimination effectively.
The Women's Safety Charter
The Women's Safety Charter is more than just a set of guidelines; it provides a comprehensive framework for night-time businesses to manage and prevent incidents of harassment. Key components of the charter include:
Each participating organisation is encouraged to designate a named person to lead safety initiatives and support staff.
Businesses are asked to launch public and internal campaigns to raise awareness about safety and reporting mechanisms.
Clear procedures are established for staff and customers to report unacceptable behaviour.
Comprehensive training, including bystander intervention, is provided to equip staff with the skills to handle incidents effectively.
Regular audits are conducted to ensure venues are designed to minimise risks and create safer environments.
Bristol Nights has made significant strides in training night-time economy workers. The initiative aims to train 1,000 workers in dealing with sexual harassment incidents. The training, developed in collaboration with relevant agencies, promotes a zero-tolerance approach and encourages bystanders to report unwanted behaviour. This training has been widely adopted by music venues, which report increased confidence in managing harassment incidents and creating safer spaces.
To raise awareness about the importance of safety, Bristol Nights has organised impactful campaigns. The Shine a Light Parade, where participants marched through the city with lights, culminated in performances and speeches at Lloyd’s Amphitheater, emphasising a zero-tolerance stance against harassment. Additionally, over 1,000 billboards and posters have been placed across the city, and social media content has been shared to spread the message. Two large murals in a prominent location feature powerful messages, including one that reveals a stark statistic about women's experiences with harassment when illuminated at night.
The Women's Safety Charter campaign has unified Bristol's night-time venues in addressing safety concerns. By providing free training and accessible resources, Bristol Nights has not only improved safety but also fostered a sense of community among businesses. This initiative serves as a model for other cities seeking to enhance safety and inclusivity in their night-time economies. The international recognition from the Music Cities Awards highlights Bristol's leadership in creating safer, more inclusive urban environments.
Apply now for the 2025 Music Cities Awards by April 28th, 2025. Showcase your transformative projects and contribute to a safer and more vibrant global night-time culture. Visit the Music Cities Awards website to submit your application today!
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