UK police create campaign to encourage women to jog in groups

Avon and Somerset police in England have created a campaign called #JogOn to encourage women to feel more confident about exercising outside by running in groups.

The campaign is in partnership with Bristol City Tolerance, whose street harassment project found women were subject to namecalling and verbal abuse while exercising outside.

One anonymous person said, "It’s mainly being shouted at in the street when on my bike – either derogatory comments about my weight or sexual comments. I have also been grabbed by men reaching out of car windows whilst I cycle."

In response, the police created #JogOn, which offers a variety of ways to combat street harassment, including exercising with others.

"Exercising in a group can be a great way to help you feel safe, keep you motivated and deter threatening behaviour… Stay alert to your surroundings and if you’re heckled, try to remain calm," Detective Superintendent Marie Wright  said on the police website.

Karen Ingala Smith, a feminist who runs a blog called 'Counting Dead Women', told The Telegraph that it is "probably a pragmatic decision for women to make but I don’t think it’s right".

"Another example of how male violence is used to control and restrict all women," she added.

This is in keeping with the argument that it should be on the shoulders of men to change their behaviour, not women.

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said, "Being catcalled or harassed while out exercising should not be the norm and #JogOn will hopefully empower people to put their trainers on and enjoy getting outdoors without being scared or intimidated."