Tender responds to the commencement of the Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023

Susie McDonald, CEO of Tender, says:

‘Everyone deserves to feel safe in public spaces. This Act is a critical step in recognising the widespread abuse going on throughout the UK, from obscene comments and staring, to physical intimidation and following someone home. A sense of entitlement by some to behave like this must be exchanged for a sense of entitlement by women and girls to feel safe.

‘Women and girls experience this type of harassment from very early in their lives – from primary school age. For many, it has become part of everyday life. It shapes and restricts how we inhabit the world.

‘This Act enforces the message that this must never be seen as “normal”: we must ensure our young people understand this behaviour is serious, illegal abuse. High quality relationships education can equip children with the knowledge and skills to behave with kindness and respect in all their interactions – and help seek support if abuse occurs. And by creating public spaces that feel safe for women and girls they will become spaces that feel safe for everyone.

‘Today is an important day – but it is just one step in what needs to be coordinated, fully-funded strategy to build a safe, equal society for everyone.’

Media enquiries

Tender CEO Susie McDonald MBE is available for interview.

For interview requests and further media enquiries, please contact katevine@tender.org.uk and isadora@tender.org.uk.