Venues in Bushey, Radlett and Shenley are among those to sign up to a scheme that encourages people who feel unsafe on first dates to get help from bar staff.
The Ask for Angela scheme was piloted in Stevenage last year before being launched countywide in December.
In Bushey, the venues supporting the scheme are The Harvester, Three Crowns, Horse & Chains, The King Stag, The Swan, The Red Lion, Toby Carvery and Three Compasses.
In Radlett and Shenley, the venues backing the scheme are The Red Lion, O’Sullivans, Cat & Fiddle, Wagon and Horses, White Horse and the King William IV.
Anyone on a date or meeting someone for the first time in a club, bar or restaurant supporting the Ask for Angela scheme can get help simply by asking staff to speak to “Angela”. Staff can then assist the person in leaving the venue discreetly and getting home or to a place of safety. This could mean calling a taxi for them and making sure they get in it safely. Venues supporting the scheme have been given stickers by police to help them advertise that visitors can get help, if they need to.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Langford said: “The Ask for Angela campaign aims to empower people who might not feel confident to get out of an awkward situation before any more serious occurs. It also encourages venue staff to think about how they might help a vulnerable person in their bar or club. It is fantastic news that so many venues are now supporting the scheme in Hertfordshire.”
Advice and support for adults affected by rape or sexual assault is available by contacting Herts SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) on 0808 178 4448 or www.hertssarc.org or Herts Rape Crisis on 01707 276512.
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