“Where's Andreea?”, the password that can save you from an abuser when you're in town. PLUS: Safety rules all teenage girls need to know

The safety of women has again become a topic of discussion in the public space after a woman from Teleorman, the mother of three children, was killed last Saturday by her ex-husband while she was on the street with her three-year-old son in her arms. The woman had two protection orders against the man, issued for kidnapping and rape. This is one of the 51 cases of femicide this year! The figure is huge and proves, once more, that there is an urgent need for tougher laws, a firm reaction from the authorities, real protection, commitment and involvement when it comes to the protection of women. And last but not least, education related to limits and protection, starting from the youngest ages. In the absence of coherent measures from the authorities in Romania, several civic action groups in various Romanian cities have started campaigns, modeled on those abroad, to offer women a little more safety when they are in the city. “I want a shot Angel!” or “Where's Andreea?” – are coded messages that, spoken in various places, convey to the staff the fact that you are in danger. Campaigns of this type are now being carried out in Cluj and Iași and are to be implemented in the capital as well.

In several cities around the world, awareness projects aimed at increasing women's safety have been launched in recent years. And real “safety codes” have been worked out. For example, in London the campaign was initiated Don't Cross the Line (Do not exceed the limit), an approach with direct messages to harassers and abusers. The messages and posters spread around the premises in the British capital also show the types of criminalized behavior (touching, groping or other unwanted physical contact, staring, verbal aggression as well as stalking women on the street).

Also in the capital of Great Britain, the project Women's Night Safety Charter it brings together clubs, bars, the public transport company and numerous institutions or companies that operate at night and that take responsibility (through specific measures) regarding the safety of women after dark. Basically, those who sign up to this effort educate their employees to act effectively if they see a woman in danger.

The drink that saves lives

There is even a United Nations initiative called “Safe Spaces Now” that publishes alarming figures on women's safety in public spaces and seeks solutions to remedy this. Also, in cities such as London, Cambridge or Newham, the code has been operating for several years “Ask for Angela”. This formula is a kind of secret code by which a person in a vulnerable situation (in a bar or club) can discreetly ask for help. Any woman who goes to the bar and asks about Angela, will alert the staff who are ready to offer assistance or help (drive her to a taxi, call the police or “shelter” her until she feels safe.

To find out which phrases are used in Romania, read on HERE.