BUSINESSES in Weymouth town centre are being encouraged to offer a safe space to young women and girls if they are feeling unsafe or threatened outside their family home.

A pilot scheme, The Pineapple Project, is led by Dorset Council, Dorset Police, Weymouth College and Targeted Sexual Health Service. They have been working with young women who have expressed a need for places of safety in their community.

More businesses such as shops, entertainment venues or beauty establishments, are needed to offer their support – providing a safe haven for young women and girls in the town for a few minutes, an hour or even a little longer.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help, Dorset Council, said: “All girls and young women should feel safe in their communities and be able to seek the right support at the right time. Sadly, some experience and fear different forms intrusion, and sometimes violence, in public spaces.

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“It takes more than the professionals to safeguard young women and girls, and local businesses are the eyes and ears of our communities. If you feel you could offer a sanctuary, whether it is somewhere to just feel safe, or guide them to further support, please get in touch.”

Sue Dafter, Head of Student Services, Weymouth College said: “We are very keen to get behind the Pineapple Project at the college. Having listened to our students and through disclosures made during our February ‘Sexual Violence Awareness Week’ in conjunction with STARS Dorset, we are concerned about the amount of violence towards girls and young women in the area which goes unreported.

“It takes a village to raise a child, as the saying goes, and this is a perfect way to involve the wider business community in helping provide the support needed.”

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Community guardians in local businesses who sign up will be given full training and ongoing support.

Businesses that do sign up the pilot scheme will be recognisable from the discreet Pineapple Project logo that can be displayed in shop windows or worn with a badge.

The project has a focus on young women as they are statistically more likely to have their security affected, for example by being approached, exploited or sexually assaulted (verbally or physically).

Those wishing to support the project can call 01305 762400 or email thepineappleproject@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk