What is #GetTheMessage?

#Get The Message is a behaviour change campaign aimed at men and  boys to highlight the impact of low-level harassment on women and girls.

It is focused on gateway offences such as public harassment, unwanted or inappropriate comments, including online, that often make the recipient feel uncomfortable, objectified or unsafe.

We want to call this behaviour out and challenge harmful actions that can impact women and girls’ feelings of safety – and get young men to be active bystanders and allies to challenge the behaviour of their peers.

“Catcalling is normal.
You hear it all the time.”

Why does it matter?

Our recent survey of more than 4,500 women and girls across Lancashire found that 93% of women in Lancashire modify their DAILY behaviour to avoid danger.

These statistics represent women and girls – our daughters, sisters, colleagues, friends, and neighbours. We need men and boys to see that their behaviours aren’t acceptable.

Of the respondents, 92% were concerned about anti-social behaviour and 91% worried about large groups of men.

A belief that bystanders would not intervene also contribute significantly to feelings of insecurity also exists.

We want to reassure women and girls in Lancashire that their voices are heard, their concerns are understood, and action is being taken.

This campaign builds on the work already been done to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG) including grants up to £5,000 to schemes, ranging from supporting vulnerable women and girls to education and sports-based outreach activities.

What is low level harassment and what effect can it have?

Low level harassment, or gateway offences, include unwanted sexual comments, intrusive staring, unwanted comments, online abuse, wolf whistling and catcalling.

A significant proportion of women felt compelled to restrict their  behaviour with 93% surveyed avoiding areas they deemed unsafe, and  91% crossing the street to avoid men.

What behaviours do we want to change?

We are asking for men and boys to self-reflect on their own actions. Many won’t be aware of how these words and actions affect women – but we are asking them to be more considerate and help women and girls feel safe in their surroundings.

Bystanders can help by intervening if it is safe to do so. Before acting, it can be helpful to consider the HAVE A WORD approach.

“Banter stops being funny when you think about it happening to your family.”

Have a WORD

Standing up for what’s right – safely

Most harassment or intimidation in public spaces happens in everyday moments – on the street, on public transport, in bars, or while people are out with friends. And very often, other people see it happening. That’s where bystanders matter.

Find out how you can help safely

How to report harassment or seek support

Preventing violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a key priority in Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw’s Police and Crime Plan for the region.

To access support for victims, or to find out how Commissioner Grunshaw is tackling the issue, visit https://www.lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/vawg/

Public sexual harassment is a criminal offence. To report a crime – which includes behaviours like wolf whistling, catcalling, and sexual remarks that cause intentional harassment, alarm, or distress in public spaces visit https://www.lancashire.police.uk/