Island bars seek support for dating safety scheme

Thursday 27 April 2017

A UK dating safety scheme which could see bar staff help combat sexual assault and violence through a special code word has received overwhelming support from a local rape campaign charity and Island establishments – but they’re concerned that no one will lead the way in bringing it to Jersey.

While today’s plethora of dating apps including Tinder and Bumble might try to make the dating scene a fun, relaxed and care-free arena, Lincolnshire Police felt they had to act when they realised that some users were left feeling uncomfortable or, at worst, threatened when the on-screen date didn’t match up to reality.

‘Ask for Angela’ - an initiative whereby daters feeling unsafe can discreetly alert staff to their ‘bad date’ so that they can safely exit – was subsequently set up to huge, viral acclaim across the globe. That applause has since reached Jersey, with hundreds of Islanders calling for such a service to be set up on-island, including charity Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR). 

Pictured: Lincolnshire Police set up 'Ask for Angela' after fears that dates met on apps such as Tinder (above), Bumble and Grindr didn't match up to reality.

Chairperson Sara McIntosh told Express: “It’s obviously worked in trial in the UK and therefore I think there’s no reason why it wouldn’t work here, and I think it’s reassuring for people to have that support if they feel they need it.

“Just having [Ask for Angela] posters up in various venues, pubs, nightclubs, bars, they alone provide reassurance that support is there if needed. The fact that staff are going to be trained and aware to help in a difficult situation – and we unfortunately know those situations happen – is very positive.

“Anything that counteracts the harassment that many people experience in public or social situations is only a good thing.”

Mark Crowther, Chief Executive of Liberation Group, which owns 44 Jersey pubs, said that the chain would be “happy to support” such an initiative, while Gavin Reid, Operations Director of Randalls, which looks after nearly 30, added:

“We would certainly be in support of an initiative like this, as even if it made a difference to one individual then that's one less person who faced a potentially difficult situation.”

Video: An explanation of the 'Ask for Angela' campaign. (Source: YouTube/Amy Shapiro)

But both felt that they would need “guidance” in order to implement it, and wouldn’t be able to go it alone. 

In consultation with various establishments, stakeholders told Express that they would like to see the Jersey Hospitality Association (JHA) or the Police direct ‘Ask for Angela’, but Police said that they would not want to lead, in turn suggesting a Parish or charity.

They have, however, shared the initiative with their Licensing Unit, who will make contact with establishments and offer guidance if wanted in due course. In the interim, they suggest that interested parties use Lincolnshire Police guidelines.

The JHA have not yet responded to Express’ request for comment.