Victims of verbal abuse and sexual intimidation will be urged to “Speak Out” at a major one-day event in Bradford this week.

‘Speak Out – No to Harassment’ is a city-wide campaign highlighting the issues around both street harassment and sexual harassment.

The event in Centenary Square – on Wednesday from 11am to 3pm – will feature activities in which residents can make their voices heard.

Paid for by Bradford Council, the event aims to show that by reporting incidents, action can be taken against those involved.

Key highlights at ‘Speak Out’ are: l a huge megaphone on which the public can stick messages to share their thoughts about harassment l a map of the City Ward on which people can pinpoint areas where they feel harassment is an issue l a roaming video booth which will make visual and audio recordings of people’s views on the issues.

Speak Out involves several partner organisations – Bradford College, the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), Bradford University, Touchstone, Bradford Council, Bradford Youth Service, City Centre Beat, Sustrans and the Students’ Unions at both the college and university, supported by funding from Bradford West Area Committee.

Emma Smith, community engagement manager at Bradford College, said: “This is a great opportunity for the residents of Bradford to come together and share their thoughts and experiences of harassment.” Inspector Victoria Lawrence, of Bradford City Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Our NPT officers will be at the event throughout the day to show residents how to report incidents and to reassure them that enforcement actions can be taken and that their voice will not go unheard.”

The event will also feature Bradford Women’s Choir and another opportunity for the public to ‘Speak Out’ through song. There will also be a chance to learn basic self-defence techniques and learn more about the safety schemes which operate in Bradford.