Video: Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping saddened at lack of respect for women
Harassment of women will now be recorded as a hate crime in the county in Nottinghamshire Police’s bid to tackle sexist abuse – they are the first force in England and Wales to do so.
Nottingham Women’s Centre manager Melanie Jeffs and Police & Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping have teamed up to make misogyny a recognised hate crime and hopefully inspire more women to have the courage to report misogynistic incidents.
women really have been quite sensible about what they’ve reported
Other forces across the UK are set to follow in Nottinghamshire Police’s footsteps by expanding their definition of the term ‘hate crime’ to include misogyny.
Misogyny incidents are plentiful in Nottinghamshire at the moment, the police force are currently investigating more than twenty reports of hate crime, specifically towards women.
A recent survey by the charity Plan International UK revealed that Nottingham came out as the fourth worst place to live for a girl in the whole of England and Wales.
Video: Melanie Jeffs says Notts Police scheme is having a positive effect on Notts women
The report found girls are struggling with a number of issues including name-calling, unwanted sexual touching and groping
Women’s Centre manager Melanie said: “It’s been really interesting. What we’ve seen is that we have had a number of women come forward and report this (harassment), some of those have been classed as crimes and action is being taken.
“I think what we’ve learnt is that initial fear that every woman in Nottingham would report every single wolf-whistle hasn’t materialised so women really have been quite sensible about what they’ve reported and they’ve only reported things which they think are serious or they’ve felt threatened by it.”
Definitions:
Hate crime: A crime motivated by racial, sexual, or other prejudice, typically one involving violence.
Misogyny: dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women
“If a woman feels that a man’s behaviour is threatening and there’s some intent there, then it’s completely up to her if she wants to report it.
“What we’ve seen is that women haven’t been reporting wolf-whistles but they have reported being grabbed and having abuse shouted at them. Really quite serious things but it is driven by the victim and how she feels,” Melanie added.
If you are ever the victim of misogynistic abuse, contact Nottinghamshire Police who will be on hand to help you as best they can.
