Before having a daughter, I admit I was completely oblivious to this problem (Picture: Neil G)
My daughter was on the bus home when a boy at her school began making rude gestures towards her.
Elodie told me he was egged on by his friends, who were all laughing about it. I was horrified when I heard about this – and that was just the start.
She was just 12 when she first experienced public sexual harassment.
Now aged 16, Elodie has told me something like this happens regularly, around once a month, and she worries about being harassed and humiliated almost every time she goes out.
But my main concern is still raising awareness. Without this, harassment will still happen and the impact on the victim will still be felt.
I hope new laws like this can put these issues forefront in the minds of the public.
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Before having a daughter, I admit I was completely oblivious to this problem.
Yes, I’d always felt some of the things I heard men say to girls and women were unacceptable. But what I see now really scares me – the nastiness and abusive comments are not ‘banter’, they’re controlling and hurtful. There is a real intention to cause harm behind these words.
This Is Not Right
On November 25, 2024 Metro launched This Is Not Right, a campaign to address the relentless epidemic of violence against women.
With the help of our partners at Women’s Aid, This Is Not Right aims to shine a light on the sheer scale of this national emergency.
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So many men I speak to when discussing Elodie’s experiences, like friends and family members, are shocked when I tell them what is ‘acceptable’ within the law, like making sexually explicit comments or sexually propositioning someone in public.
They think about their wives and daughters, and cannot believe so much harmful behaviour is legal, particularly when these same behaviours are specifically banned in the workplace through the Equality Act.
And what is more devastating is that Elodie is not alone. Research from Plan International UK found 75% of girls, some as young as 12, in the UK have experienced some form of public sexual harassment.
For some girls, this is a daily occurrence that affects their walk to school, where they exercise and where they spend time with their friends. Some have even avoided school altogether.
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Despite my fears, I try my best to reassure my daughter (Picture: Neil G)
I worry about Elodie experiencing public sexual harassment all the time: my fear is she’s at risk of assault, or even abduction, when walking alone. She shares my concern that a comment could quickly escalate.
When Elodie is planning to go out, I have a real mental battle with myself. Should I raise the subject of staying safe and put this issue on the table, or leave it and hope nothing happens?
Elodie is a very level-headed young woman and I trust she is aware of the risks, so I don’t want to limit her life experiences by raising my own fears. But, of course, that doesn’t mean that I don’t sit and watch both the clock and the phone when she is away from home.
My anxiety increases later in the day – evenings are particularly bad because I fear she could be assaulted after dark, and winter is worse again as everyone is bundled up and less aware of what’s going on around them.
I also really worry when she’s on public transport. Anyone could sit next to her and touch her inappropriately or prevent her getting off at her stop, and my wife and I wouldn’t know until it’s too late. That fills me with dread and it’s so easy to see it happening.
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We often pick Elodie up when she’s been out and always check she doesn’t walk home on her own. We’ve also all agreed to use an app on her phone so we can check where she is.
But it’s a tough balancing act – she’s a young woman and we want to give her freedom. We don’t want her to feel she’s being watched all the time by her parents, and we also don’t want to worry ourselves silly as that isn’t healthy for us or Elodie.
Despite my fears, I try my best to reassure my daughter. Until today, there was no single piece of legislation to protect girls and women from public sexual harassment.
New strong and effective legislation would send a clear signal that public sexual harassment is not OK (Picture: Neil G)
It was a law that my Elodie had a part in, and I’m so proud of my daughter and the fact she has been involved in something that will make such an important difference to girls across the country. She feels empowered by how her hard work and commitment to this issue is starting to pay off.
. We need to do everything we can to help create a society where this kind of behaviour is seen by everyone for what it is: harmful and unacceptable.
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As parents, we have a crucial role to play in educating both boys and girls that this kind of behaviour, far from being harmless or even a way of complimenting a girl, is always wrong.
Men also need to model good behaviour for their sons and grandsons, as well as calling out friends or colleagues if they see them sexually harassing someone.
This has really changed how I behave when I’m out too: I’ll often try to walk in front of a woman so she can see me, instead of hearing me behind her and potentially worrying about who is there.
No-one should feel uncomfortable going about their daily life and the long-term psychological impact on girls is severe, let alone any physical threats they may also face. All I want is for Elodie – and all girls in the UK – to feel safe. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.
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A version of this piece was published in April 2023
It brings the total number of arrests in connection with the disorder to 17.
Four more people have been arrested in connection with disorder among Rangers and Celtic fans at Ibrox Stadium.
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Ugly scenes broke out following the Scottish Cup Final on Sunday, March 8. It saw flares fired into the midst of fans, while supporters, police officers and those working at the stadium came under attack.
A steward was seen being carried from the pitch, believed to have been injured in the chaos, and a number of people were pictured receiving medical treatment. The most recent arrests bring the total number to be made under the operation to 11.
Following the match, Celtic striker Tomáš Čvančara, who scored the winning penalty for his side, was interviewed for TV wearing a blood-stained shirt. He had been photographed intervening in an incident on the field. A member of Celtic’s coaching staff was also reportedly attacked. There was also violence outside of the stadium following the game.
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Operation Moonglint was subsequently launched by Police Scotland to trace those responsible. Police have confirmed four further men, aged 20, 26, 30 and 47, were arrested and charged and have been released on an undertaking to appear at court at a later date.
It brings the total number of arrests in connection with the disorder to 17.
Police say inquiries to trace those responsible are ongoing.
Detective Chief Inspector David Lamont said: “Extensive inquiries remain ongoing to identify and trace those involved. We will ensure those involved in acts of violence and disorder will face the consequences of their actions that day. Further arrests will be made.”
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Anyone with information can call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Information can also be sent directly to the investigation team.
The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form to pass information, images and footage directly to the Major Investigation Team and can be accessed here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT26G03-PO1
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Lamerd, a town in southern Iran, came under attack on 28 February. CCTV footage published by Iranian state media – which was authenticated and geolocated by BBC Verify – showed a munition moments before it exploded above a residential area. Experts identified it as likely being a US missile, based on its appearance, the size of the blast and the distance from potential US launch sites in the Middle East.
The vacant plot of land off Kestor Street in The Haulgh formerly housed Bolton Parish Primary School before they moved to their current school on Chadwick Street.
A design and access statement submitted by RA Design and Project Management said that “existing access into the site is tight” and “a dropped kerb will make access easier in the future”.
They continued: “There is no firm plan for the site but several prospective future users have commented that the access is too narrow”.
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They have proposed dropping the kerb and widening the entry gate to make the site easier for future occupiers to use.
Bolton Council’s town planning officers agreed with the proposal which they said “would not have any significant impact upon the visual amenity of the area”.
In their report, they said the area is predominantly in commercial and industrial use “with commercial fencing visible along Kestor Street”.
Officers were called to Northumberland Road on Thursday (April 2) at around 3.30am.
A cordon was erected as white-suited investigators probed the semi-detached home later on Thursday, with pictures showing how the property had two smashed windows.
No injuries were reported during the incident, although people were inside at the time.
Cleveland Police has today (Friday, April 3) confirmed no arrests have yet been made and the investigation remains ongoing.
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(Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Crime scene investigators were seen wearing white suits with blue masks and gloves on Thursday within one of three police cordons set up along the road.
The road was fully blocked off at the junction with Thornaby Road, where an officer was standing guard beside a police van.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Pringle, from Stockton CID said: “At 3.30am on Thursday, April 2, police received reports of a firearm being discharged towards a property on Northumberland Road in Thornaby.
“While occupants were inside the property at the time, there were no injuries reported.
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“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information, dash cam or doorbell footage is asked to call Cleveland Police on 101 quoting reference number 060930.”
The wind alert will now be in place until 7am on Easter Sunday, with the forecasters warning of possible disruption across Darlington and County Durham over the weekend.
Storm Dave will move in towards the North East during Saturday evening (April 4), bringing gusts of up to 50 to 60 mph and up to 60 to 70 mph in more exposed locations.
The spell of very strong winds later on Saturday and overnight into Sunday morning could lead to damage and travel disruption.
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Where will be affected?
The yellow weather warning runs from Saturday 5pm until Easter Sunday 7am (extended from Saturday evening) and applies to the following areas in the North East, including:
· Darlington · Durham · Gateshead · Newcastle upon Tyne · North Tyneside · Northumberland · South Tyneside · Sunderland
Forecasters rate the potential impact of the weather warning as medium, with the likelihood of the disruption being “very low.”
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The Met Office said: “A rapidly deepening area of low pressure, Storm Dave, is likely to move North Eastwards close to or across northwestern parts of the UK during Saturday evening and night, clearing to the North Sea by Sunday.
“While there is some uncertainty over the exact track, intensity and shape of this area of low pressure, a period of strong west to south-westerly winds is expected during Saturday night and into the first part of Easter Sunday, before gradually easing through the day.
“Peak gusts of 50-60 mph will be possible fairly widely, with 60-70 mph in more exposed locations.”
‘The design of the development will create a vibrant neighbourhood with strong connections to the local community’
Plans are under consideration to build over 200 houses in a sleepy Welsh village. Developer BDW Trading Ltd has lodged an application with Vale of Glamorgan Council to build 232 houses and a foodstore that could be as large as 20,000 sq ft on Church Farm in St Athan.
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The development would feature a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties. These properties would be split into 150 homes for the open market, 54 social rented units and 28 “low-cost home ownership units”.
The application reads: “The development has been structured around a clear street hierarchy and integrated network of green infrastructure and public open spaces to create a high-quality and inclusive residential environment” For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here
The affordable homes on site are located throughout the development, “providing integration with the open market housing”.
Planning documents read: “The proposals make efficient use of the site by providing much needed market and affordable homes, in addition to a new foodstore.”
It continues: “The design of the development will create a vibrant neighbourhood with strong connections to the local community.”
The documents also outline that a total of 498 private car parking spaces will be provided, with the numbers per plot ranging from one to three depending on “dwelling size”
There will also be 48-off carriageway visitor parking spaces.
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Four-hundred metres of hedgerow are proposed to be removed as well as 12 small hawthorn trees to make way for the development.
In return, a total of 200 trees are proposed to be planted across the development in addition to 600m of hedgerow, over 500sq m of “native shrub planting” and over 3,500sq m of native grassland and wildflowers.
The application reads: “The development includes the creation of several open spaces and green corridors within the site.
“This includes three large open spaces, with two primarily focusing on formal and informal play and the larger space combining informal play, biodiversity and sustainable drainage systems use.”
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Regarding the proposed foodstore, the application reads: “Given the limited food retailing options within St Athan currently, the proposed foodstore would make a significant contribution to the settlement as a whole and reduce longer journeys by private car to other foodstores further afield.”
It continues: “The provision of a food store will have significant sustainability benefits and have the potential to create a range of new employment opportunities.”
In its latest operational update, the Ministry of Defence said RAF Regiment gunners downed multiple Iranian drones overnight, while UK Typhoons and F-35 jets, together with Wildcat helicopters, continued their defensive missions over Cyprus, Jordan, Qatar, UAE, and Bahrain.
After nearly half a century of quiet village life, residents in Halkyn claim the atmosphere around them has shifted dramatically. Locals living near a £1.6 million luxury holiday property in Flintshire claim noise and anti-social behaviour from visitors has disrupted what was once a peaceful rural setting.
However, the owners of the Old Church School insist they have taken every reasonable step to address neighbours’ concerns – resulting in a deadlock between both parties.
Guy Roberts, who resides with his wife and elderly father in the adjacent Old School House, claimed loud music and lighting continuing into the early hours of the morning, along with visitors celebrating in the rear garden of the 24-bed establishment, had destroyed the peaceful rural setting since it began welcoming guests in October, 2025.
“It’s simply not a suitable use for a property in this village,” Mr Roberts claimed. “When planning went in for a holiday let we thought that was what it would be, but it is almost like a venue.
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“We have lived here for 46 years and this has changed the character of the place. I’m a truck driver, my wife is self-employed and has to work early so we need our rest. The noise is so bad my dad, who is deaf, is bothered by it.”, reports North Wales Live.
“We’ve tried to speak to the landlord, he agreed to put a device on the sound system to cut it off at 11pm but said he can’t stop guests bringing their own, which they are now doing.
“Also, the music is often on all day. It seems to be that people are coming for parties at the weekend rather than peaceful week-long holidays.
“They are out in the hot tub at all hours of the day and night and we can’t seem to get anywhere. We have reported it to the police but they can’t do anything and Flintshire County Council have set up equipment to monitor the noise but it is driving us crazy.
“We are not even in peak season yet so goodness knows what it will be like then.”
Mr Roberts has since sought the assistance of Brynford and Halkyn Cllr Fran Lister in finding a resolution.
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“It’s clearly very distressing,” she said. “I remember when this went through planning as a holiday let and we had no objections as long as it’s not too noisy for the neighbours.
“It’s not fair that the neighbours are feeling this impact.” Make sure you never miss Wales’ biggest updates by getting our daily newsletter
However, a spokesperson for Halkyn Estates Ltd, the company running the property, stated that it had been taking residents’ complaints on board and working towards solutions.
“This was a Grade II Listed building that was falling into disrepair,” he said. “We spent £1.6 million to buy the building and refurbish it – preserving it for the community.
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“We even included original artefacts, furniture and school photos from when it was a school in the interior.
“We have done everything by the book and I understand the problems residents have. We appreciate the issues around noise which is why we installed a shut-off system.
“We operate a number of properties and this is already a very popular one. We want to be part of the community and work with residents to resolve any issues because ultimately we want the tourism we bring to Halkyn to enhance the area.
“Guests are advised to be considerate of our neighbours and to ensure noise is kept down during unsocial hours.
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“Our investment in the Old Church School has brought it back into use in a sustainable way. Between being a school and a holiday let the site was for some time a factory and when we bought it it still had planning classification as one.
“That would have created a lot more noise. We understand that our neighbours have concerns and we would welcome the opportunity to work with them to find a solution that suits everybody.”
The warning runs from 5pm on Saturday (April 4) until 7am on Easter Sunday (April 5).
It warns that Storm Dave will bring a spell of very strong winds – of 50-60mph in the York area – which may cause some damage and travel disruption.
The yellow warning says road and rail services are likely to be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible.
Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage, it adds.
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Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen, the warning also suggests, adding injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible.
A yellow weather warning has been issued for York ahead of Storm Dave (Image: Met Office)
Met Office deputy chief forecaster, Tom Crabtree, said: “StormDave will form and rapidly deepen on Saturday as it approaches the UK from the west.
“By Saturday afternoon winds will strengthen significantly, with gusts of 60-70mph expected at times across parts of Scotland with the potential for gusts of 80-90mph in exposed coastal locations in Scotland.
“Gusts of 50-60mph are likely more widely in northern Britain.
“As well as strong winds, StormDave will also bring heavy snowfall over the hills in northern Scotland where up to 10-20cm of snow could accumulate.
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“Along with the strong winds this will lead to blizzard conditions.
“Elsewhere there will be heavy spells of rain as the system moves through eastwards across the UK.”
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