Harrods has introduced mandatory training for its staff to tackle harassment, in response to rising violence against women in public spaces, according to reports.
The new initiative is said to focus on raising awareness about sexual harassment and teaching employees how to safely intervene when they witness inappropriate behaviour.
The retailer now has a network of around 50 specially trained employees across various departments who are equipped to respond to allegations of harassment sensitively, according to The Telegraph.
The luxury retailer’s move comes in response to increasing reports of violence against women.
Earlier this year, 56-year-old Robert Prussak was charged with kidnapping, drugging and sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl outside Harrods.
Harrods has introduced mandatory training for its staff to tackle harassment, in response to rising violence against women in public spaces. The new initiative focuses on raising awareness about sexual harassment and teaching employees how to safely intervene when they witness inappropriate behaviour
Graph showing the violent incidents against staff per year
The child was abducted while shopping with her family, but was safely recovered three hours later, after Harrods staff and police officers coordinated efforts to find the girl.
Prussak has denied all charges, including kidnap, three counts of sexual assault and administering a substance, namely the antihistamine Benadryl, with the intention of stupefying or overpowering to enable sexual activity.
He is set to stand trial next month.
This new training at Harrods is part of a broader trend among businesses taking action to address the rise in public attacks on women.
Recent data from the British Transport Police (BTP) revealed that the number of violent attacks on women and girls on the UK rail network has risen by 50% in the last two years, from 7,651 recorded incidents in 2021 to 11,357 in 2023.
The same survey revealed that more than a third of women say they have been subject to abuse or harassment on public transport.
Harrods now has a network of around 50 specially trained employees across various departments who are equipped to respond to allegations of harassment sensitively, according to The Telegraph. The luxury retailer’s move comes in response to increasing reports of violence against women
Violence against women and girls has reached what some describe as ‘epidemic’ levels in the UK, with nearly 3,000 crimes recorded every day. A leading police chief has labeled this a ‘national emergency,’ noting that more than a million crimes against women and girls were reported in 2022/23, accounting for nearly a fifth of all offenses excluding fraud
Despite the increase, only 20% of witnesses report such cases to law enforcement.
BTP said the increase in incidents was because people now feel more willing to report harassment and assault.
The force has now launched a Railway Guardian app in which people can report crimes on public transport anonymously.
Violence against women and girls has reached what some describe as ‘epidemic’ levels in the UK, with nearly 3,000 crimes recorded every day.
A leading police chief has labeled this a ‘national emergency,’ noting that more than a million crimes against women and girls were reported in 2022/23, accounting for nearly a fifth of all offenses excluding fraud.
At least one in twelve females becoming a victim each year.
Harrods has been contacted for comment.