Cheltenham Races & sexual assault/rape/inappropriate sexualised behaviour

[Rosehips22]

Cheltenham County Council and Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse centre are raising awareness which began with our sexual violence awareness campaign at Cheltenham Races.

We are currently looking for any feedback or instances that anyone has experienced this year regarding sexual assault, rape or inappropriate sexualised behaviour, including 'catcalling', 'upskirting', sexual assault, inappropriate comments, stalking or harassment.

We know that so many instances go unreported, no matter how minor or 'normal' you may feel it is, it all counts towards the overall feel of the event and we are working towards creating a better environment for all to enjoy and most importantly - to feel safe during Race Week.

Please, if you feel comfortable to do so, leave a reply to this post, if you would prefer to email in confidence, please email [email protected]

Thank you.

Bumping this thread for you

Well, this year, as a 53 year old woman walking through town in a frumpy dress, large coat, leggings and big boots I didn't expect to get to the lights on the Prom and have a group of 30 something males catcall and suggest I spend the day with them as they would 'keep me warm'.

I wasn't in the mood so told them to piss off, they laughed and moved on to the next female, right outside the Municipal Offices.

Many of the Jack the Lad groups swagger down the Prom, up the High Street, staring, leering, cans in hand - such a bloody stereotype, but at least you can identify them from afar!

The heightened tension in town during race week has always been there - I've experienced it in many ways: as a barmaid in the 80s; office worker in the 90s and now self employed older woman. The jollity has always included, at the very least, ribaldry that makes men laugh and women scuttle off to somewhere safer.

God knows what it is like at the racecourse. I have never been tempted to work a race night or to go as a punter!