More than 200 staff have been trained across 16 venues as Torbay becomes a model for tackling sexual harassment in the night-time economy.

Torbay’s commitment to ending sexual harassment in bars, pubs, and clubs is being celebrated this month as the pioneering Shout-Up! programme draws to a close in the area.

Launched in November 2023, Shout-Up! Torbay, funded by us, set out with a clear mission: to make licensed venues safer, more inclusive, and free from sexual harassment.

Now, some 18 months later, the scheme has successfully trained more than 210 staff across 16 venues in Torquay and Paignton, with participating venues receiving Shout-Up! certification, a recognised standard of excellence in tackling sexual harassment in the night-time economy.

From bars and clubs like VIVA to independent favourites like Otto, businesses have stepped up to champion safer nights out. The programme, delivered locally by Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services and funded by us through the Safer Streets initiative, has been met with overwhelming positivity and commitment from venues and patrons alike.

Mandy Barnes of Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services said: “We’ve seen a real culture shift in the venues we’ve worked with. Staff are more confident, policies are clearer, and people know where they stand when it comes to safety.

"After training, 98% of participants told us they felt more confident in being able to identify sexual harassment, recognise its prevalence in the night-time economy, and understand its impact. 94% said they felt more confident knowing when they should step in.

That confidence is translating into action. After one training session, a young woman felt able to disclose to us, which led to other young women also coming forward and the perpetrator being identified and held accountable.

"In another case, a venue manager was able to offer a safe space and support for a group of young women who were being sexually harassed by older men; those women now visit the venue regularly.”

Councillor Hayley Tranter, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, added: “When we started this project, our ambition was to create safer nights out, especially for women and girls. The success of Shout-Up! shows that when businesses are given the right tools and support, they are eager to be part of the solution. We’re proud of every single venue and staff member who took part.”

To become certified, venues were required to undertake comprehensive bystander intervention training, develop and publicise clear sexual harassment policies, and commit to ongoing reviews and visible accountability.

East Street Pub Group and JAM Leisure were among the first to train staff across all of their venues, setting the tone for others to follow. Staff reported increased awareness, practical tools for intervention, and a stronger sense of community responsibility.

As the funded programme comes to an end, Shout-Up! leaves behind a blueprint for continued action, with all certified venues retaining their status for two years and many expressing a desire to maintain the work beyond the life of the project.

“The end of this phase isn’t the end of the mission,” said Mandy Barnes. “It’s the start of a long-term change, and we’re proud at Devon Rape Crisis to have played a part in it.”

Shout-Up! continues to operate nationally and welcomes enquiries from other regions keen to replicate Torbay’s success.