Derbyshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Fatima Eltinay joined officers to promote a new campaign targeting gender-based violence as part of a series of engagements designed to support the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan and tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in our communities.
The Deputy PCC accompanied officers in Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, as they visited pubs to secure support for the force’s Call It Out Campaign.
The campaign encourages people to have the confidence to challenge misogynistic or inappropriate behaviour towards women when they see it.
It educates people on exactly what kind of behaviour is inappropriate as well as giving people the skills to challenge it when they do see it. The campaign also reinforces that by standing by and saying nothing, people can inadvertently encourage this kind of behaviour.
Through a range of promotional activity and resources, the campaign empowers people to ‘call out their friends’ and let them know when their behaviour falls short of what is acceptable.
Serious Violence including VAWG is a key priority in the Commissioner’s new Police and Crime Plan, representing the views of those who live and work in Derbyshire.
Dr Eltinay brings a valuable health perspective to her role, recognising the deep and lasting impact that gender-based violence has on both physical and mental wellbeing. With a background in public health and a strong commitment to community safety, she understands how trauma, inequality, and access to support services intersect — particularly for those affected by Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
As Chair of Neighbourhood Watch in Derbyshire and an experienced campaigner for safer communities across our city and county she is helping to ensure that health and safety are addressed hand-in-hand.
Dr Eltinay said: “We all have a role to play in creating a society in which women are treated equally and with respect. There is no place for violence or misogynistic attitudes and that includes catcalling, harassment, unwanted advances or disrespectful jokes and comments.
“That’s why we are encouraging people to take a stance against inappropriate conduct towards women and girls, something I hope will become the norm.
“I’m delighted that a number of venues on Sheffield Road have already committed to the campaign and hopefully more venues will follow so that women feel safer and encourage others to speak up if they witness these behaviours.”
