Bars and clubs in Switzerland launch secret code for women to report sexual harassment

In the wake of numerous accusations of sexual harassment levied against Harvey Weinstein, with many people coming forward on social media to share their own experiences, a city in Switzerland is attempting to make women feel safer in bars and nightclubs.

Winterthur in east Switzerland is introducing a new code to help tackle sexual harassment, reported The Local.

Anyone who feels unsafe or uncomfortable on a night out due to unwanted attention can simply approach a member of staff and ask, "Is Luisa there?"

Staff can then take measures to help her, including involving security staff, taking her to a safe place or calling her a taxi.

There are 10 participating establishments at present, with more expected to follow. Posters and stickers will be displayed in women’s toilets at bars that have adopted the practice, explaining how to use the code.

A similar scheme already exists in Germany.

Meanwhile, France is also taking measures to tackle sexual harassment.

New legislation that would ban cat-calling and wolf-whistling at women on the street was proposed by France’s women’s minister on 16 October.

Marlene Schiappa told RTL radio: "It's completely necessary because at the moment street harassment is not defined in the law."

Schiappa gave examples of what would define harassment, including invading a woman's personal space by talking very close to her face, following a woman, and asking for a woman’s number multiple times.

The law, which would mean on-the-spot fines for those hassling women on the street, will be voted on next year.