Ward Sergeant's Update

If you saw a female being harassed, would you act?

Would you know what to do?

Would you feel confident enough to help?

Too often, people stay silent, not because they don't care, but because they're unsure how to intervene safely.  The truth is, Violence Against Women and Girls is happening every day.  It's real, it's widespread and it's totally unacceptable.  By recognising it, challenging it and supporting those affected, we can all help make our communities safer for women and girls.

What could you do if you saw a female being harassed (The 5 D's from the MET Police Facebook page November 2025)

Distract: If it is safe to do so, draw attention away from the victim who is being targeted. Pretend to be a friend, ask for the time, cause a distraction.

Delegate: Find someone in a position of authority – e.g. police officer, steward, security guard and ask them to intervene.

Document: Watch and witness: if safe to do so, write or film the harassment, provide the footage to the victim.  Never post the footage online or use it without their permission.

Delay: If it’s not safe to intervene in the moment, offer support when it’s safe to do so. Check in on the victim’s wellbeing or help them understand where they can report.  Try to remain with the person until further help or support arrives.

Direct: Speak up and challenge inappropriate behaviour, if it is safe to do so.  Say something like, “Leave them alone” or “That’s not okay”. 

If you are a female and you are being harassed

Go to a safe place: If you are able, cross the street, head into a shop, café, bar, petrol station or business.

Be vocal and firm: If you are being followed or touched, use a clear loud voice – “Don’t touch me” or “Stop harassing me”.  Making a scene can cause the harasser to retreat.

Call the police: Report any incidents to the police, either by 999 in an emergency, 101 for non-emergency or online.

If you are unable to be vocal, use this hand signal to ask for help.  Place your thumb against your palm and wrap your fingers around your thumb, keep doing it until someone notices.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signal_for_Help

If you are out, in a bar, in a club, cinema, café or any other licenced venue and you are a female getting harassed, go and speak with staff and ask for Angela.  Most licenced venues know how to react if you ask for Angela. https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/about-us/about-the-met/campaigns/ask-for-angela/

Here’s what your Safer Neighbourhood Team has been up to this week

From all your team, we hope you have a great, fun filled and safe weekend.

All the best

Mark