Running should feel freeing, not frightening. But for too many women, that’s not the reality.
Leeds JogOn is a collaboration between the Safer Leeds Partnership, Get Set Leeds Local, and Yorkshire Sport Foundation and is here to say: enough is enough.
Harassment of women runners is never acceptable, and we’re standing together to raise awareness, encourage reporting, and inspire change.
Leeds says: JogOn to harassment.
Leeds says: respect every runner, every route, every time.
Understanding harassment
Harassment involves a pattern of unwanted and unwarranted behaviour by someone towards another person. This may cause the victim to feel harassed, alarmed, distressed or fearful that violence might be used against them.
Harassment can have serious impacts to a person’s health (physical and mental), their social life and their employment.
Harassment can occur between:
- current or ex partners, or family members (domestic abuse)
- someone known to the victim (friend, neighbour, work colleague, minor acquaintance)
- strangers (no relationship or acquaintance with the victim)
Victims may be targeted due to their protected characteristics.
Men and women can be victims and perpetrators of harassment; however, national statistics show that women are disproportionately affected.
Harassment
Harassment might include:
- antisocial behaviour
- bullying at school or in the workplace
- bullying via the internet
- sending abusive letters or text messages
- making unwanted or offensive phone calls
Harassment may be linked to a particular issue or grievance (for example, a dispute with a neighbour or acquaintance).
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is unlawful, as a form of discrimination, under the Equality Act 2010. The Act says it is sexual harassment if the unwanted behaviour:
- violates a person’s dignity
- creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment (this includes the digital environment, online)
Some examples of sexual harassment would include:
- sexual comments, insults, jokes or gestures
- staring or leering at a person’s body
- unwanted sexual communications (for example, emails, texts, DMs)
- sharing sexual photos or videos
- groping and touching
- someone exposing themselves
- pressuring a person to do sexual things or offering them something in exchange for sex
Some of these are also criminal sexual offences. Find out about how to report a sexual assault or rape, or information about the support available on the West Yorkshire Police website
How to report incidents
You should report any incidents of harassment to the police by calling 101 or online.
In an emergency, when there is a crime in progress or a danger to life, always dial 999.
Find stalking and harassment advice and information for Police Partnership Organisations.
Whether or not you have reported stalking to the police, you can still access support and advice from our partner agencies.
For stalking and harassment related to domestic abuse (family/partner/ex-partner)
Victim Support
West Yorkshire - Victim Support
0300 303 1971 (local Victim Assessment Referral Centre)
0808 168 9111 (National Helpline)
For stalking and harassment involving an acquaintance (non-intimate), colleague or stranger
Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service
Paladin – National Stalking Advocacy Service
020 3866 4107
info@paladinservice.co.uk
For stalking and harassment relating to antisocial vehicle use
Leeds has a city-wide Public Space Protection Order in place, meaning it is against the law to:
• shout, swear or make sexual comments from a car
• use vehicles to scare, follow or intimidate
• gather in cars in ways that make people feel unsafe
Why reporting matters
Your voice can help drive real change.
When people report street harassment, it helps us understand how widespread the issue is, and that insight leads to action. Whether it’s increasing police presence, improving lighting, or redesigning public spaces to feel safer, every report helps shape a better, safer Leeds.
We want you to know that your report will be taken seriously. By speaking up, you’re not just helping yourself, you’re helping protect others too.
Reporting safety concerns in public places
StreetSafe is a service that allows you to report safety concerns in public places without giving us your name. This includes issues like poorly lit streets, abandoned buildings, or vandalism, as well as instances where you feel unsafe due to someone following or verbally abusing you.
Website: StreetSafe on Police.uk
Let’s change the story together
We’re working to shift everyday behaviours and encouraging people to become allies to women and take safe, active steps when they witness street harassment. By learning how to be an active bystander, you can help create safer public spaces and show that harassment is never okay. Small actions can make a big difference.
We’re calling on everyone to be part of the solution. Learn how to be an active bystander, speak up safely, and help make Leeds a city where every woman can run without fear.
Become an active bystander
Standing up against harassment doesn’t have to be confrontational, it can be safe, simple, and powerful.
Join a free 60-minute online ‘taster’ session hosted by Yorkshire Sport Foundation. These interactive sessions will give you practical tools to become a confident active bystander.
Book your preferred session date online.
Training for local sports clubs
Yorkshire Sport Foundation offer free face-to-face training for local clubs. To arrange a session, email Nicola.holmes@yorkshiresport.org
Get support if you’re feeling unsafe
If you ever feel unsafe while out and about in Leeds, there are resources ready to support you. Visit the Night Safe Leeds website for practical tools, support and safe spaces.
Other support services and safety resources
Basis Yorkshire
The Basis Sex Work Project supports women and transgender sex workers who work on-street, indoors and online and who are living or working in Leeds.
Website: Basis Yorkshire
Galop - LGBT+
Support for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence and other forms of interpersonal abuse
Phone: 0800 999 5428
Website: Galop
Just Don’t
A campaign by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to bring about change and tackle violence against women and girls.
Website: Just Don't campaign by West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Leeds Domestic Violence Service (LDVS)
Support for all people in Leeds affected by domestic violence and abuse.
Phone: 0113 246 0401
Email: hello@ldvs.co.uk
Website: Leeds Domestic Violence Service
National Stalking Helpline
Support, and advice on risk, safety planning and legislation to victims of stalking, operated by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
Phone: 0808 802 0300
Respect Men's Advice Line
Safe Spaces
A safe and discrete way to reach out to friends and family, at selected pharmacies, banks and job centres.
Website: Find your nearest Safe Spaces locations on the UK SAYS NO MORE website
SARSVL
The Rape Crisis Centre for Leeds, offering support to women and girls in Leeds aged 13+ who have been affected by sexual violence of any kind at any time in their lives.
Phone: 0808 802 3344
Text: 07860 022 880
Email: support@sarsvl.org.uk
Website: About SARSVL – Support After Rape & Sexual Violence Leeds
Stop Hate UK
Support for people directly affected by Hate Crime.
Phone: 0800 138 1625
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