Luisa's return: Assisting females confronting harassment amplified
In an effort to create a safer and more welcoming nightlife environment, the city of Saarbrücken has implemented the "Luisa is here!" protection concept in its gastronomic establishments, including bars, clubs, and restaurants. This initiative aims to prevent harassment and improve the overall atmosphere of the city's nightlife.
The concept is simple yet effective: when a guest feels unsafe or harassed in a venue, they can discreetly invoke the phrase "Luisa is here!" to alert staff members. This codeword signals employees to provide immediate assistance, such as escorting the person to a safe place, intervening with the harasser, or calling for additional help if needed.
The goal of "Luisa is here!" is to foster a supportive and secure social atmosphere, making it easier for patrons, especially women, to enjoy nightlife without fear of harassment. This approach encourages staff training on recognising and responding to harassment, thus improving the overall safety culture within the establishments.
Such protection concepts are gaining traction in various cities as an effective, low-threshold way for individuals to seek help without drawing attention or escalating conflict. In Saarbrücken, "Luisa is here!" can contribute to safer nightlife by fostering a community of awareness and proactive intervention, deterring potential offenders and ensuring quicker protective responses.
The benefits of this program are numerous. It is expected to reduce incidences of harassment and assault, increase confidence among patrons to frequent venues, and enhance the reputation of participating businesses as safe and inclusive spaces.
The "Luisa is here!" project was originally from the Münster Women's Emergency Hotline and has been implemented in over 80 cities. In Saarbrücken, the city council decided to implement "Luisa is here!" in February 2020.
Training sessions for employees of gastronomic establishments are offered regularly, with the next sessions scheduled for Tuesday, September 5, Wednesday, October 11, and Tuesday, December 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. Registration for these training sessions is required at [email protected].
For more information or to learn more about participating venues, local Saarbrücken TikTok channels or community pages might provide firsthand perspectives and updates. The Women's Office of the State Capital Saarbrücken and the Saarland Women's Emergency Hotline e.V. are the primary advocates for the implementation of the protection concept "Luisa is here!" in Saarbrücken's gastronomic establishments. Contact details for the Women's Office of the State Capital Saarbrücken, including email addresses, phone number, and website, are available for those who wish to learn more.
By implementing "Luisa is here!", Saarbrücken aims to promote a respectful party culture and ensure that everyone can enjoy the city's nightlife safely and comfortably.
- The fashion-and-beauty sector, for instance, can support the "Luisa is here!" initiative by partnering with Saarbrücken's gastronomic establishments, creating awareness campaigns that help to educate patrons about the codeword.
- After enjoying a delicious meal at a restaurant in Saarbrücken, visitors might then explore the city's travel destinations, knowing that they can feel safe and secure in the nightlife environment, thanks to the "Luisa is here!" protection concept.
- As the evening winds down, some individuals might decide to shop for home-and-garden items or cars, with the peace of mind that they don't have to worry about potential harassment in the city.
- In the aftermath of a stressful day, couples can rest assured that they can unwind together in Saarbrücken's restaurants or bars, knowing that relationships can be enjoyed in a safe and welcoming atmosphere involving the "Luisa is here!" protection concept.
