Tag:harassment_prevention=ask_angela

This tag identifies a business, retailer or other similar location taking part in the “Ask for Angela” scheme.

What is “Ask for Angela”

Ask for Angela is a harassment prevention service provided by participating businesses allowing passerby harassment victims to find safe places easily.

Launched in 2016 in England by a feminist collective, this initiative aims for businesses to become anti-harassment centers for anyone in need of one. The scheme is now growing internationally: the City of Lyon in France for instance has committed to combating street harassment by developing it throughout the city. Businesses wishing to offer a place of refuge to victims of street harassment can easily join the program there.

How it works

When someone is harassed in a public space, whether sexually, in relation to identity, gender, religious beliefs or disability, they can find a “Ask for Angela” sticker in the windows of a participating business, open the door and “asks for Angela” to be taken to safety. The business will offer them a chair, a glass of water, and a flyer to let her know where to turn.

The City of Lyon supports volunteer retailers in their efforts: retailers are made aware of the need to combat street harassment, and trained to handle victims and caring for them in a non-judgmental and non-discriminatory way, thanks to regular training sessions ran by the CIDFF (Centre d'information sur les Droits des femmes et des familles). They also receive a communication kit and a sticker for their shop window. This initiative is open to all businesses

How to map

Add the tag to the point or polygon representing the business or location providing the service. They should be identifiable by a “Ask for Angela” sticker on the main entrance of the building. Some cities may provide open data registries of participating businesses.

See also

• LGBT
• Mapping in support of women and girls