Youth film aims to combat boys harassing girls

Schools and youth groups in Kent have released a film to combat street harassment and violence against women and girls.

The Don't Disrespect film is part of a campaign by young people in the county, challenging boys to "take a stand and end street harassment".

Chava, 14, who plays a girl harassed on the way home from school by three groups of boys, said: "I hope people realise they need to take responsibility."

The government-funded project was produced in partnership by Kent County Council, Kent Police and the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction unit.

Sue Chandler, cabinet member for integrated children's services at Kent County Council, said: "We heard from girls particularly that they felt unsafe on their way to and from schools and colleges.

"It was really important to try to address that particular concern because no girl, no woman, should feel unsafe in their community."

Amelia, another actor in the film, told the BBC she also faced harassment walking back from school.

"You get boys from behind you shout and ask where you're going," she said.

Nearly half of girls in schools and college have received unwanted sexual attention including being groped, stared at, cat-called and wolf-whistled in public, according to children's charity Plan International.

The charity said about 75% of women and girls, age 12-21, in the UK, have been sexual harassed in public spaces by men and boys.

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