JogOn

JogOn is a campaign to clamp down on the harassment of female runners and joggers.

A national survey by Runner’s World magazine found that 60 per cent of female runners experience some form of harassment, particularly from men in cars.

Many women feel scared and intimidated and are forced to look for alternative running routes or change the times they go out to avoid cat calling, offensive comments and, occasionally, physical harassment.

The Safer Bradford partnership (which includes Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police and the NHS) is working to stamp out the problem in Bradford District.

We know that harassment is a widespread concern across the district. Most runners have accepted it as the norm and not reported it to the police, as they didn’t feel it would be taken seriously.

West Yorkshire Police, with Bradford Council, have taken action to stop this problem. The “JogOn” campaign aims to support women in Bradford to run without the fear of harassment.

JogOn has four key actions: engagement, education, enforcement, and environment. West Yorkshire Police work with key partners to tackle harassing behaviours, encourage reporting by runners and prevent incidents occurring in the first place.

Local Park Runs and running club meets are regularly attended to share the campaign and undertake crucial engagement.

Active Bystander Training is provided to local runners free of charge.

This training stresses that the safety of women whilst out running is everyone’s responsibility, and not just a matter for those directly impacted by the harassment. Our Active Bystander sessions are aimed to promote conversations around bystandership and how we can help and support people within the community or your workplace. We will provide attendees with the knowledge and tools to safely support or challenge others in challenging situations. You will learn how you can empower others to step up or ask for help from allies or other services including the Police.

A multi-agency operation, including uniformed officers providing reassurance and plain clothes officers going out running to witness behaviours and gather intelligence acts upon intelligence and reports submitted. Bradford Council was able to enforce its Public Space Protection Order, which prohibits the anti-social use of vehicles including for “shouting, swearing at, or abusing, threatening or intimidating, another person—including using sexual language or making sexual suggestions”. Whilst these incidents in isolation may not seem serious, when they become a regular occurrence, it can have a significant impact. A build-up of these incidents can make women change their running routes, avoid certain locations, and choose not to run in the dark. Women should be able to run without being concerned. Here in Bradford, this behaviour will not be tolerated.”

The JogOn campaign is continuing to progress within Bradford and will continue to review its impact and adapt as necessary, you can read our press releases below:

JogOn training and action success

Active Bystander training success 

 JogOn - one year on

White Ribbon Organisation joins JogOn

Contact and Further information

Website: JogOn | West Yorkshire Police

Bradford Neighbourhood Support Team

Book an Active Bystander Session

If you have been made to feel unsafe or suffered any form of harassment whilst out running please report it by emailing the JogOn team BradfordJogOnTeam@westyorkshire.police.uk or safercommunities@bradford.gov.uk

The information is confidential and will be acted upon by the JogOn team. 

In non-emergencies you can contact a customer contact agent via Live Chat or by calling 101. 

In an emergency, when a crime is in progress or there is a threat to life, always dial 999.