New initiative launches in Nottingham aimed at safer gym access for women

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A survey revealed the extent of the problem in Nottingham and now a new group will be set up to help tackle unwanted sexual harassment

Eleanor Smalley, a former PCSO and now the project manager for the Newark and Sherwood Safer Streets initiative created the scheme after experiencing an uncomfortable situation in her own gym. She felt that more could be done to keep women safe in these situations.

A survey which was launched to determine the scale of the problem attracted over 400 responses with 25 per cent of women saying they had experienced an uncomfortable interaction at the gym. It was further revealed that 75 per cent of these incidents were never reported to the police or the gym.

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Over 30 per cent of the women said that the unwanted experience had made them leave the gym and some never returned. The interactions recorded included unsolicited help with equipment, being watched or stared at, inappropriate comments or even having their pictures taken without consent.

Some of the women had set up home gyms to avoid the harassment they had received. The survey responses will help to form a Safer Gym Group and gyms will be able to show customers they have zero tolerance for sexual harassment by signing up. There will also be staff training which will ensure that women will know where to go to report incidents and that they will be taken seriously.

Eleanor said: “I had an experience at the gym, and it opened my eyes. I know I am not the only person who feels this way and I could see it happening to other women.

“Gyms are not just a health benefit; they are a place for mental well-being and socialising and people are missing out if the gyms do not address these concerns. We want to stamp out this behaviour, so it does not escalate, and we want everyone to feel empowered to challenge this behaviour.”

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She added: “Some people are staying away from gyms and this needs to change. There is a lot of work being done to protect and support women in our night-time economy. Bars, pubs, and clubs are really playing their part and working closely with the police.

“This is about expanding that offer. I wanted to look at industries where people practice these behaviours in order to change them.”

Safer Streets is an initiative formed by Nottinghamshire Police, The Police and Crime Commissioner and Newark and Sherwood District Council which is aimed at reducing crime and making people feel safe. The Safer Gyms initiative is part of Nottinghamshire’s response to Violence Against Women and Girls, which includes creating safer spaces for women and girls.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, Caroline Henry said: “I must admit the gym is not my natural stomping ground, but I want every single person who chooses to go to feel safe when they do so. Nobody should ever feel as though they have to change their exercise routine because they’re scared of negative behaviours, so let’s group together and change it.”

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Insp Charlotte Ellam, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, said “This is a fantastic initiative and what we need now is more people to complete the survey and share their experiences so we can deal with the issues effectively.

“We have and continue to work with the PCC’s office and our colleague from Newark and Sherwood District Council to make this a success, and we are looking at the potential to roll this out countywide as part of Nottinghamshire Police’s efforts and commitment to tackling violence against women and girls.”

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