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A new campaign aimed at young men aged 16 to 25 is hoping to tackle the street harassment of women and girls in Jersey.
The new campaign, called 'It’s Not Okay', focuses on the impact that certain language and behaviour can have.
The campaign includes posters, stickers and social media posts featuring anonymous comments taken from research undertaken by the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) taskforce.
Pictured: Kate Wright, Chair of the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) taskforce.
A report summarising that research, which saw a public call for evidence, was published last year and made 77 recommendations – including that an initiative to tackle street harassment should be rolled out.
The VAWG taskforce research documented a number of areas where respondents reported feeling unsafe, as well as anonymous comments highlighting their experiences.
Some of these experiences have been displayed on the campaign posters, including those of a young women who was followed home by a man when she was a teenager – and another who recounted being stared at by large groups of men and subject to “unpleasant” comments.
Pictured: Almost all general public survey respondents had experienced at least one form of sexual harassment in their lifetime.
Speaking about the campaign, Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat said: “VAWG refers to the types of violence that are disproportionately perpetrated against women and girls.
“We know that sexist and misogynistic language contribute to a wider context wherein VAWG is more likely to occur, so it is really important we challenge these behaviours when we see them.
“I am really pleased to welcome this campaign which marks the latest milestone in our work to implement the recommendations of the VAWG Taskforce. It’s really impactful to see authentic, anonymous comments from girls and women used as part of the campaign.
“Language and behaviour are a huge part of everyday life – what we say and do matters; our words and behaviours have consequences; and this is what the campaign asks people to reflect on.”
Pictured: Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat.
She added: “The work of the Taskforce was fundamental to our island’s progress in tackling all forms of violence against women and girls. I’m grateful to the members of the Taskforce for their dedication, and for the crucial and ongoing work in this space.
“I hope the campaign will be well-supported and give islanders cause to reflect on the importance of language and behaviour, and to report to the Police where something isn’t right.
“We want everyone to understand that verbal abuse or violence isn’t okay.”
You can find out more about the campaign online HERE.
An animation to launch the campaign has been created. It was voiced by sixth form students from JCG and Victoria College.
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