A NEW campaign that aims to tackle violence against women has been launched in Bradford.

The "Ask For Angela" campaign has been designed to help women who feel threatened, unsafe or uncomfortable on a night out.

Women can approach staff in a bar, restaurant or club and ask for Angela - a code that discreetly indicates to staff that they need support.

Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Police are working together to launch the ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative across the District today - UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

It works by licensed premises pledging to take part in the scheme and displaying ‘Ask for Angela’ posters which lest punters know staff at that venue know what to do if someone asks to speak with ‘Angela’.

It comes at a time when the issue of violence against women has become a major talking point, with campaigns and protests calling for more to be done to make women and girls feel safe.

The Council’s Licensing Department has written to all licensed premises across the district to encourage them to adopt and promote the campaign in their venues and across social media.

Information about the Ask for Angela campaign can be found at https://www.bradford.gov.uk/business/licensing/ask-for-angela/

Councillor Abdul Jabar, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: “Although the launch coincides with World Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women it is aimed at anyone who feels unsafe and needs some help on a night out.

“We are encouraging all licensed premises across the district to pledge to adopt and promote the campaign in their venues.”

Superintendent Lee Berry, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “The issue of women’s safety is rightly a key national and local issue and we do understand the genuine safety concerns that women have.

“As a force we seek to support any initiative which looks to improve women’s safety and welcome the launch of Ask For Angela for the Bradford area.

“The scheme has been in use for some time in other parts of the country and we are pleased its introduction is being supported in Leeds and now Bradford as a way of providing extra support for persons who may feel unsafe or threatened.

“Women should feel safe to walk the streets of West Yorkshire and in our night time economy and we remain committed to working with partner organisations to make the county a safer place to live and work in.”