The Bay takes action to protect women’s safety

Torbay Council and SWISCo leaders have reinforced their commitment to women’s safety by signing the Safety of Women at Night (SWAN) charter.

The pledge coincided with yesterday's White Ribbon Day (November 25), an international movement aimed at ending violence against women, and the start of 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.

As the first organisation in the South West to receive White Ribbon accreditation, Torbay Council actively promotes initiatives to prevent violence against women and girls. 

The council supports its own staff, particularly those working at night, through its lone working policy, personal alarms, and wellbeing and domestic abuse champions.

Since the SWAN charter launched last year, more than 120 Torbay businesses, including bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, have added their signature.

The charter is open to any business or organisation which promises to safeguard women’s safety on its premises.

Some have introduced bystander training for staff, so they can spot when customers are in distress. 

Workers at 18 licensed premises in Torquay and Paignton have carried out Shout Up! training which has helped them intervene safely when they spot sexual harassment taking place.

Recent signatories to the SWAN charter include Devon Clinic, YMCA South Devon, Torbay Communities, More Positive Me, Phoenix Rising CIC, Working Minds CIC, Rising Moments, Brixham Theatre, Frontline Community Protection, Horses4Life and Tomlinson IT Solutions.

Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, said: “I’m pleased to support this initiative and provide reassurance to our staff that their safety is our top priority.

“It’s also good to see that so many varied businesses and organisations across Torbay have signed the SWAN charter. Women should feel safe wherever they are, whether it’s day or night. We want our communities to get the most out of living here and they can only do that if they feel confident and secure.”

To help residents and visitors get home safely, the council is promoting the festive night bus service on the number 12 route between Torquay and Brixham. Operating until 4:30 am on selected nights over Christmas and New Year, the service aims to ensure safer journeys during the festive season.

The NHS also offers a Safe Space unit on Torquay’s harbourside, providing a quiet area where people on nights out can rest, recharge their phones, or receive first aid. It operates on Saturdays from 10 pm to 3 am and will extend hours during December, including New Year’s Eve.

The 16 Days of Action campaign includes a variety of events across Torbay, such as library drop-ins, art therapy and creative writing sessions, webinars, a silent march through Torquay, disco bingo, a bus tour and equine therapy

For a full list of events, visit the Are You OK? website, which also provides resources for those affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence.

Torbay Council collaborates with partners such as Devon and Cornwall Police, NHS Devon, and the Standing Tall Partnership to support those vulnerable to abuse and violence. Services include the Torbay Domestic Abuse Service, which offers safe spaces and specialist support, and the Safer Rainbow Project, which provides resources for the LGBT+ community.

The council also works with Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services to ensure people experiencing sexual violence receive support.