Public Sexual Harassment Guidance for Run Clubs by Our Streets Now
A comprehensive toolkit to help run clubs prevent, manage, and audit public sexual harassment, ensuring safer running environments for women and marginalized genders.
The Public Sexual Harassment Guidance for Run Clubs, created by the advocacy group Our Streets Now, is a detailed, research-informed toolkit designed to help running clubs of all types address public sexual harassment (PSH). Its primary goal is to empower clubs to foster a culture of zero tolerance toward harassment, implement effective response protocols, and collect data to drive systemic change. The toolkit has already sparked discussion among running communities, inspired policy reviews, and encouraged more clubs to adopt formal safeguarding measures, marking a significant step in the movement for safer, more inclusive running spaces.
What you should know:
Key programs/activities:
Advocacy, education, policy guidance, and community toolkits targeting schools, workplaces, and now, sports and running clubs.
By providing clear, actionable guidance on preventing, managing, and auditing incidents of harassment, and by fostering a club culture that prioritizes safety and inclusivity, the toolkit promotes female running safety.
What the Toolkit provides:
Definitions and context for PSH in running environments
A three-tiered framework: Prevent, Manage, Audit.
Tailored advice for different types of run clubs (e.g., regulated, sponsored, community, gym-led, employer-based).
Step-by-step incident response protocols for first- and second-person reports.
Guidance on creating codes of conduct and reporting mechanisms.
Resources for supporting victims, including mental health contacts.
Templates and checklists for policy development and incident documentation.
Key safety tips included:
Foster awareness of PSH through ongoing conversations, posters, and digital communication.
Establish and publicize a zero-tolerance policy for harassment.
Make reporting procedures clear and accessible to all members.
Assign a diverse group of safeguarding contacts within the club.
Ensure emotional and physical safety of victims and witnesses.
Collect and review data on incidents to inform future prevention strategies.
Take action / learn more:
Share this resource with your running group or club leadership.
Designate safeguarding contacts and make reporting procedures visible.
Reach out to Our Streets Now for support or to provide feedback: hello@ourstreetsnow.org
