A NEW scheme which targets harassing behaviour aimed at female runners is being launched across Worcestershire by West Merica Police, writes Seren Mathews.
‘Jog On’ started off as a pilot scheme in Wyre Forest, in areas such as Kidderminster, and was started after 68 per cent of women said they had experienced some form of harassing behaviour.
The scheme sees female officers in plain clothes running in key locations and any time they are subject to harassment of any kind they will call nearby dedicated support crews to deal with these perpetrators as appropriate.
The behaviours acknowledged as harassing include cat calling and horn beeping.
The Jog On Scheme has now been rolled been launched across Worcestershire and aims to target perpetrators of the behaviour and making a positive change.
In April, a change to the Public Order Act now means it is an aggravating offence to cause harassment, alarm or distress based upon a person’s sex or presumed sex.
This legislation applies to both genders and a sentence for up to two years can be handed out by courts for this offence.
Six operations have taken place so far and on three of those occasions harassment was witnessed.
There are plans for the scheme to be rolled on by the West Mercia Police in the coming months as it is a prevalent issue in the force area.
Supporters for the enforcement work can be found with running clubs, established events such as Park Run and other campaigns and schemes which support specifically women’s safety within sport.
Insp Liz Warner said: “Misogynistic remarks and predatory behaviours are not acceptable within our communities
“For too long women have changed their behaviours to feel safe, but perpetrators are the ones who need to change their behaviours
“We are sending a clear message to ensure that this is called out and enforcement action is taken.”
The work supports West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion’s commitment to tackling violence, seen in West Mercia Safer community plans. The issue in the document is referred to as a ‘national emergency’.
He said: “Women and girls too often feel unsafe in public spaces because of the actions of men and that is simply unacceptable”.
He added he supported the strengthening of the law and identifying and bringing perpetrators to justice through the Jog on scheme, as well as educating the public.
“Together we can eradicate the harmful behaviours that harm our society.”
Anyone who experiences any form of harassment can report it online at: westmercia.police.uk or by calling 101.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Anyone who feels in immediate danger should call the emergency police number 999.
