Support the public

Everyone deserves to feel safe when they’re out at night. Follow our steps to creating a safe space for your customers.

Steps to creating a safe space

Clear information, supportive staff and prompt action help people feel safe. By creating a culture where concerns are taken seriously, you can make your venue safer for both customers and staff.

1. Set clear standards

Tell customers what they can expect from your venue. Make it clear that reports will be taken seriously, perpetrators will be taken off the premises, all incidents will be recorded accurately and as soon as possible

2. Make reporting easy

Provide clear ways for people to report concerns. For example, they could be encouraged to call, text or email their concerns.

Make sure reporting information is easy to find, easy to read and available throughout your venue. Multiple forms of reporting makes it easier and more accessible to customers. 

3. Review your venue

Look at your venue from a customer's point of view. Ask yourself:

• Can customers easily see posters and information about reporting concerns?
• Are there any dark corners that feel unsafe?
• Is CCTV clearly visible?
• Are signs easy to spot and understand?

Pick out things you would notice if you were a customer, or even a perpetrator, and set out steps to improve any gaps. 

4. Take reports seriously

Do not undermine a report or claim. If an incident is happening at that moment, take action straight away.

A positive response can help people feel confident about reporting concerns in the future.

5. Provide a safe space

Have a safe space for anyone who has disclosed they do not feel safe – a discreet place, perhaps in the staff room.