Safety messages go mobile on Nottingham’s consent themed bus

Messages about safety for women and girls will be going mobile through the streets of Nottingham as new branded transport has taken to the roads.

The double decker bus and tram, which carry important messages about consent in the form of an A-Z on their side, were launched this week carrying designs by The Consent Coalition. This is a network of Nottingham organisations - including the local CPS office - who work collaboratively to raise awareness of the importance of sexual consent.

The coalition was handed a grant by the Nottingham Police and Crime Commissioner to produce a series of campaigns to educate the public on key issues linked to violence against women and girls.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Max Hill QC, travelled to Nottingham to celebrate the branded transport and reinforce his support for this vital collaborative work.

He said: ‘’Sexual consent is such an important issue, it is wonderful to see the topic displayed in such a public way and I hope it will get people talking.

‘’Education is without a doubt one of the most vital ways to change the culture and challenge dangerous behaviour. The CPS is delighted to be able to form part of this exciting project and be part of the conversation.”

The A-Z of consent was designed as an educational resource to debunk many myths about what consent means. It includes things like A is for apps and J is for judgement.

The CPS offered knowledge from prosecuting sexual offences to tackle some of the prominent myths and stereotypes around rape and highlight the importance of challenging these in order to instill confidence in people when having healthy discussions about consent.

The Coalition is formed through a partnership of the Sexual Violence Action Network, the CPS, the Nottingham Police and Crime Commissioners Office and Nottingham City Council. The new bus and tram is just one initiative being trialled to help keep women safe during the evenings.

They are also working with the city’s bars, pubs and nightclubs, encouraging them to sign up to the Safe Space Pledge to ensure that their establishments are a safe space for women and girls. This includes having a trained female member of staff who can respond to reports of assault and sexual abuse in the right way.

Schools in the East Midlands are now starting to use the A-Z of consent to talk to young people about what consent is why it is vital in healthy relationships.

Charlotte Caulton-Scott, CPS prosecutor and Consent Coalition member says: 

‘’My hope is that young people in particular will engage with these resources, understand what consent means, and that this will lead to a reduction in violence against women and girls.’’