Feeling unsafe while out, don’t be scared to ask for Angela!

The month of October officially marks the beginning of domestic violence awareness month. 

Although the cause is commemorated nationally, Leeds are stepping up and taking a powerful approach towards the battle against abuse; starting inside a variety of the city’s pubs. 

Source: Ruby Lindsay | All Rights Reserved

Across Leeds, a growing number of venues are showing their support for the campaign by participating in the ask “Ask for Angela” scheme. It safely and subtly allows victims to ask for help at the bar, where trained staff will then intervene, deescalate the situation and follow appropriate protocol. 

Source: Ruby Lindsay | All Rights Reserved

“We have quite in-depth training on how to handle and calm heated situations down, you pick up quite quickly on when people are scared and weary approaching us” shares Joshua Lane, a team member at a popular Greene King pub in Roundhay, Leeds.

“We have signs up in all our bathrooms; male, female, staff. Everyone is aware we offer the service and it’s drilled into all the employees how to cautiously approach the situation.”

Source: Ruby Lindsay | All Rights Reserved

Additional charities like Women’s Aid and Women Friendly Leeds often do pop-ups in popular areas like the local university’s and town centres, offering a constant and friendly lifeline to victims stuck in an abusive cycle.

Source: Ruby Lindsay | All Rights Reserved

Leeds City Council News reported in 2024 over 600 venues across Leeds choose to participate in the scheme, including popular franchises like Greene King and Weatherspoon’s. Its growing popularity allows casual social settings like pubs and bars to be the first stepping stone in victims speaking up.