Limerick publicans asked to back codeword campaign to curb sexual harassment

LIMERICK City and County Council (LCCC) are being called on to “play a leading role” in promoting the Ask for Angela campaign across Limerick businesses.

The Ask for Angela campaign is an initiative designed to help victims of sexual harassment and assault safely seek assistance in public venues, particularly in bars, pubs and nightclubs.

In businesses where the campaign is in use, anyone who feels unsafe, uncomfortable or threatened can discreetly ask a member of staff for "Angela" and the staff will know to help them escape the situation by hailing a taxi, calling a friend, or involving security.

Aontú Cllr Sarah Beasley said that she is urging the local authorities to “promote the initiative amongst the business community and give them full support”.

“Recent studies show that up to 30% of women in Ireland experiences sexual harassment in public spaces,” Cllr Beasley said. 

“While specific figures for other vulnerable groups are less precisely documented, national studies suggest that experiences of harassment and assault are disproportionately higher among these groups, and I believe this points to the importance of accessible support options in our community in Limerick”. 

The Limerick City North councillor said that anecdotal evidence and research indicates that campaigns like Ask for Angela have led to a “significant increase” in victim confidence to seek help, with some areas observing “up to a 15-20% rise in reported incidents since their implementation”. 

She stated that the campaign’s presence in local pubs, clubs, and community venues has been shown to reduce incidents of harassment and improve safety awareness. 

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“Limerick city and county has a combined population of over 209,000 residents, and while there are undoubtedly increased public safety initiatives, awareness within the community remains limited, and many victims may not yet know how to access help,” she added. 

“A coordinated effort by local vintners and businesses, supported by the local authorities, to fully promote and highlight an Ask for Angela campaign would be a critical step forward.”

Cllr Beasley feels that local authorities in Limerick could lend their support through the allocation of resources to promote the initiative across all appropriate platforms, including social media, local press, and public posters in key venues.

“There are a myriad of ways in which they could do this, including partnering with local businesses, pubs, clubs, and community groups to facilitate training and awareness around the campaign, as well as organising community events or information sessions aimed at educating the public on how Ask for Angela works and its benefits,” she continued. 

“Supporting and promoting the Ask for Angela campaign publicly demonstrates Limerick’s commitment to community safety and the wellbeing of all residents. I am urging the local authorities in Limerick to make our city and county a safer place for everyone by ensuring this vital initiative receives the attention and backing it deserves.

“This is a vital campaign and one that has the ability to literally save lives.”