PREVENTING CRIME

Know the Signs. Take Action. Stay Safe.

Crime prevention starts with awareness, confidence, and community. By recognising the signs, supporting each other, and knowing where to turn for help, we can all play a part in making our streets and online spaces safer.

Street Harassment & Intimidation

Recognising it early

Street harassment can take many forms — loud catcalling, cruel verbal abuse, deliberate intimidation, being followed on foot, by car or bicycle, having your path blocked, or unwanted physical contact. It's never "just words." It's designed to make you feel powerless or scared, and it can happen anywhere — in the park, on public transport, while jogging, or walking home at night.

The real impact

These encounters leave lasting marks. Constant anxiety, fear of going out alone, changing routes or routines just to feel safe. Research shows women adapt their entire daily lives — where they go, when they travel, what they wear — to avoid risk. Too many people, especially women and girls, stay silent because they worry they won't be believed or taken seriously. That silence is not okay, and it is not your fault.

The law — and why it isn't working yet

The Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023 received Royal Assent in September 2023. It specifically criminalises sex-based harassment in public spaces. But as of late 2025, it has still not been brought into force — meaning police and courts cannot yet use it.

The reason? The government has not yet published the statutory guidance required to implement it.

Kulturalism has written directly to the Home Office demanding urgent action.

In October 2025, Kulturalism's Director wrote formally to the Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire, copied to the Police & Crime Commissioners Association, the College of Policing, and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Our letter called for:

Immediate commencement of the Act
Statutory guidance for police with practical examples of the offence
Mandatory trauma-informed officer training
Clear CPS prosecution guidance to prevent cases being downgraded — Judicial training on the social context of harassment
A national public information campaign so survivors know their rights

Until this Act is in force, sex-based harassment in public remains harder to prosecute consistently. We will not stop pushing until that changes.

What you can do right now

Trust your gut — if something feels off, it probably is. Move towards well-lit or busy areas, report it to police using 101 (non-emergency) or 999 if you are in immediate danger. Even before the new Act is fully in force, harassment can still be reported and prosecuted under existing law.

Emergency: 999 | Non-emergency: 101

Hollie Guard app — shares your location live with trusted contacts

Bullying & Online Harassment

The rise of digital threats

With more of life happening online, bullying and harassment have followed. Cruel messages, fake rumours, doxxing, or relentless trolling can reach you anywhere, anytime — there is no door to close, no street to avoid.

The hidden damage

Victims often face serious psychological harm — low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or withdrawing from school, work, or social life altogether. The permanent nature of online content can feel like there is no escape. But there is, and you do not have to face it alone.

Protect yourself

Spot the signs early. Screenshot all evidence, including dates and usernames. Block and report accounts on every platform, and tighten your privacy settings. If harassment escalates to threats or explicit content, report it to the police — online abuse is a crime, not an inconvenience.

Childline: 0800 1111 | Revenge Porn Helpline: 0345 600 0459

Stalking Awareness & Prevention

Recognising the red flags

Stalking isn't just something that happens in films. It can be repeated unwanted messages, someone showing up at your home or workplace, gifts you didn't ask for, constant monitoring of your social media, or even tracking devices placed on your belongings. It often starts small and escalates slowly — which is exactly why early recognition matters.

Taking action early

Keep a detailed log of every incident — dates, times, screenshots, written descriptions. Tell trusted friends or family what is happening so you are not carrying it alone. Document everything, even if it feels minor at the time.

If you are in danger, call 999 immediately. For expert advice and support, contact the National Stalking Helpline.

A Stalking Protection Order or restraining order can provide legal protection — you have the right to pursue this.

National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300

Knife Crime & Weapon-Related Violence

Understanding the growing risks

Knife crime remains a serious concern in many communities, often linked to gangs, drugs, or disputes that spiral out of control. Young people are disproportionately affected — as both victims and perpetrators. Behind every statistic is a family, a community, a life changed forever.

Staying safer on the streets

Stay alert to your surroundings. Avoid poorly lit shortcuts or known trouble spots, especially late at night. Travel in groups when possible, and trust your instincts — walking away from a tense situation is never weakness. Community initiatives like knife bins and youth intervention programmes are making a difference, but personal awareness matters too.

If you're worried about someone

You don't have to give your name. Talk to a teacher, a youth worker, or call Fearless — the anonymous tip line where you can report concerns about weapons or gang activity without identifying yourself.

Fearless (anonymous): 0800 555 111 | Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

Crime prevention is not just the job of the police — it belongs to all of us. Recognising the signs, speaking up, and looking out for each other is how communities reclaim their streets.