A Way Out has been working in the local community for over 22 years, supporting women, young people and families who experience multiple disadvantages, stigma and abuse. We believe passionately that all women deserve to be safe. Since we were first established, we have been working with women involved in street sex working to reduce the harm they face.

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It was extremely sad and distressing to hear the news that two women were raped by a man in the Stockton area and the further rape of a woman that took place in Middlesbrough. These horrific crimes serve to highlight the precarious and harmful situations women we work with face. Sadly, evidence tells us that these awful offences are a representation of a wider pandemic of male violence against women and girls.

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In collaboration with the Police and Stockton Borough Council and as part of the wider approach via Operation Harmony, we have been part of a multi-agency response to improve the challenges in the Ropner ward for all who live there. We are committed and passionate about creating an environment that is safe for all and will continue to work tirelessly to achieve this aim for all members of our community. We will do all we can to advocate for those who often do not have a voice and are marginalised through stigma a lack of understanding and discrimination.

 

We will continue to deliver our message of love hope and freedom, working with and alongside statutory bodies including the Police and Stockton Borough Council. Through initiatives like Operation Harmony, we will strive to help reduce harm and risk and secure effective solutions for safer communities for all.