Sexist and dangerous Samaritans ad

6 men a day commit suicide and only 0.097% of women are actually attacked

Not comparable figures. To even begin to compare we would need the number of women attacked, not a percentage, and a timeframe of per day.

Also a source/sources for the figures

Why do they always use a woman in these adverts?

It's from the office of national statistics. And if unrecorded then it isn't data is it (basic statistics). I know it upsets people but the chances of being attacked as a woman - even though it is horrendous - are very very small. We as women 'feel' unsafe but in reality we aren't. The chances of dying as the man in the ad are very high (6 per day). That's the issue.

This. It's about trying to reach out to someone who may or may not be struggling. And that's something for everyone to do because you know what, it might be you or someone you care about one day. And that person making a tiny effort to form a connection could make all the difference between someone walking away safely or jumping in front of a train. Sometimes it doesn't take much to make a difference.

Do you mean "per day"?

Where do you get a figure of 0.097% of women are actually attacked by a stranger from?

What does attacked by a stranger mean? Does it include the sexual assaults that go unrecorded?

Bloody women and their so-called "feelings" when they have a job to do. To hell with the stupid cows.

Plus, what is an "attack" even?

'6 men a day commit suicide and only 0.097% of women are actually attacked by a stranger'

Astonishing stats. Where did you get them, please? And can you elaborate?

"Women! Are you failing to take responsibility for the mental health of all men?! You selfish, useless besoms should all be arrested. If you're at home, go out now. Seek a man in distress and soothe him, this instant."

Because when you are depressed or in crisis you fear authority figures and officials - sometimes they are the reason for the depression. There's lots of data and research on this (which advertising agencies consult before making storyboards) as well as lots of research on 'how women feel' as not indicative of the facts of the issue (i.e 6 men a day commit suicide and only 0.097% of women are actually attacked by a stranger). That's ONS figures of course not how people 'feel' on this forum.

Doing nothing whilst someone kills themselves could be construed as criminally responsible (It is in some countries) not having a chat. Jeeez

Nothing will go wrong? Promise? All men are safe to approach?

It's not bizarre it's very helpful for the 6 men a day who kill themselves (and their families, wives/girlfriends). Nothing will go wrong. You should try it. The ad deserves an award. Why would someone post such a message its worrying.

As usual, Glosswitch knows the score.

Great article- thanks for sharing.

It’s not the same, but for a while I’d stop & say hello to the Big Issue seller I saw on my way to the office every morning - back when I went to the office every day. Because being kind & friendly.

This led to him expecting me to buy him coffees & then one morning feeling me up under the guise of a ‘friendly hug’.

I changed my route.

Victoria Smith has written an article in the Critic

https://thecritic.co.uk/small-talk-and-big-asks/

'Samaritans
@samaritans
·
Feb 22
You can approach someone you're worried about.You can just ask a question and make small talk.You can just say 'Hello'.You can save a life. #SmallTalkSavesLives

Samaritans
@samaritans
Starting conversations with people who are struggling to cope can save lives. But you should always put your personal safety first.'

It's not enough, Samaritans. The whole premise of this campaign is based on dodgy, sexist ideas.

This is the biggest problem with the “ad”.

Wearing a high viz vest so likely to be a worker at the station. Now he could approach the man without danger and ask if he is OK.

This article is really shocking, and explains a lot.

I support the Samaritans with a monthly direct debit because it's important to me. This ad is really disappointing. It's encouraging young women to put themselves in real physical danger. When I was a teenager I learnt the hard way that being friendly to strange men could lead very quickly to frightening situations.

I agree with the spirit of the campaign, that people should be kinder to each other, but women are all too often harmed by our conditioning to take care of others. The ad should have shown a man making the approach.

It is my actual experience that telling some actual people about the effect on the driver has changed their minds about what they think is the best way to end things. In their misery, all they can see is a quick end for themselves.

Obviously, others know this and choose it anyway. There are some very selfish ways to commit suicide - eg the co-pilot who locked his pilot out of the cabin, and then flew the plane full of passengers into the Alps.

In the actual situation of the ad, I would just start any old random chat with the person on the platform. I wouldn't ask them where to get a coffee.

Just watched the full ad. I see what you mean; there is more context, like making eye contact with and getting a nod from the staff member. But I dislike it being played comedically – 'cool' woman rolling her eyes at 'unsure' woman – mocking, as you say.
Also that classic 'shut women up' line, 'You're overthinking it' – which 'unsure' woman actually agrees with🙄
And I still really object to the differences in styling/presentation of the two personas.