“Ask for Angela” in a bar, a pharmacy. One year later, a report on its establishment in 83 locations in Nice to protect victims of street harassment.
This initiative against street harassment is part of a European project named “IcARUS,” which aims to “build responses with citizens to the issues of delinquency and incivility that each of us experiences in our lives,” explains Anthony Borré, First Deputy Mayor of Nice.
A participating business commits to three principles: the principle of assistance, information, and communication.
“Ask for Angela”: Positive Assessment
According to a report conducted in May: 92% of respondents said they felt reassured by this new action to combat street harassment and stated they would be ready to use it if needed.
“Among these 83 business owners, three displayed a positive attitude toward three different individuals. Even though communication about this initiative is not complete, three victims have been assisted thanks to courageous businesses.” This “encourages going further,” states the First Deputy Mayor of Nice.
At the launch, on July 20, 2023, the establishments equipped with alert buttons were prioritized, totaling 40. When triggered, it allows the Municipal Police to access the ambient sound of the business, activate the nearest surveillance cameras, and quickly reach the location.
Subsequently, other businesses wished to join, and the initiative was expanded.
How Does It Work?
Faced with the increasingly prevalent issue of street harassment, the aim is to offer victims of all ages, genders, day and night a refuge. “Ask for Angela” provides a code name known to 83 downtown establishments (Old Nice and Jean-Médecin), to quickly signal a state of distress.
Training was provided to the employees of participating businesses to give them the proper reflexes to adopt. After the awareness session, the businesses could receive an Angela sticker. It is to be displayed outside their establishment to signal to the public. They also received a “refuge sheet” and a “business card” with a QR CODE. More discreet, aimed particularly at victims of domestic violence, it offers local contacts among other resources.
However, due to time constraints, not all business owners could attend the “awareness” training session. In this regard, it is planned that they will have future access via phone.
More broadly, this initiative allows for the consolidation of victim assistance services. Indeed, the initiative was presented to associations. Additionally, now all Local Police Chiefs have been trained in “Ask for Angela.”
Mediators on the Ground
Six months into the experience, an evaluation was conducted among the participants. Mostly, they did not receive an increased number of people in immediate need of help. However, more people came to report inappropriate behavior.
In Nice, the initiative benefits from ten mediators and a service manager, trained on street violence. The mediators help maintain the link with the establishments. They recruit new participating establishments and also conduct public communication efforts. A “complementary mission,” as stated by Anthony Knockaert and Michael Tamazout.