Limerick businesses urged to adopt Ask for Angela code campaign

VINTNERS and businesses in Limerick are being urged to play a leading role in a campaign aimed at helping victims of sexual harassment and assault in public places to seek help.

Cllr Sarah Beasley is calling on local businesses to actively support the Ask for Angela campaign across Limerick. It's an initiative designed to help victims of sexual harassment and assault to safely seek assistance in public venues.

Speaking at a meeting of Limerick City and County Council last Monday, Cllr Beasley said: “If a person feels unsafe or threatened, they can go to staff and simply ask, can I please see Angela? Staff members trained to recognise the cue will then approach and offer assistance, whether that's helping the individual leave safely, contacting security, or calling the gardai if necessary.

“Recent studies show that up to thirty percent of women in Ireland experience sexual harassment in public spaces, while specific figures for other vulnerable groups such as the LGBTQ individuals or minority case communities are less precisely documented.”

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Cllr Elisa O'Donovan said she isn't generally a fan of these kinds of campaigns. “I think that they are reactive rather than proactive, and they place the onus on women rather than creating safe spaces in our communities.”