Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has joined 27 other Nottingham-based organisations in becoming a part of the Consent Coalition, which aims to raise awareness of consent and reduce sexual violence.
Launched in February 2020, the Consent Coalition works together to raise awareness of the importance of consent, challenge myths about rape and sexual violence, and encourage victims to access support.
Other organisations signed up to the Coalition include the two universities, Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire Police and women’s charities.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is also supporting a Nottingham BID and Consent Coalition initiative to help improve the safety of women and girls in the night-time economy, the Safe Space Pledge.
The Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner awarded funding to allow artwork wrapping on two fire engines in the Safe Space campaign branding, which were launched in front of the Council House on Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week.
Firefighters are often in Nottingham city centre at night after responding to calls or through other Prevention and Protection work and may come across vulnerable people.
Further training is taking place to educate fire and rescue service staff on the Coalition’s work and how to encourage victims to access support.
Chief Fire Officer Craig Parkin said: ‘We are committed to taking a zero-tolerance stance against sexual violence and abuse and we will work with our partners to give survivors support and educate people around the importance of consent.
‘We look forward to working with other Coalition partners to raise awareness of these important topics and keep our communities safe from violence and abuse.’
Karen Jardine, Notts SVS Services Campaigns and Communications Officer, speaking on behalf of the Consent Coalition, said: ‘We are really pleased that Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have joined the Consent Coalition and are also supporting the Safe Space Pledge.
‘Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service are well respected in the community and see people often when they are at their most vulnerable.
‘The fact that this Service has joined us, is training colleagues on how to direct survivors to support and is making such a visual stand against sexual violence is a positive move for Nottingham. We are proud to have them on board.’
