News / safety
Campaign after chased teen failed to get help in shop then was beaten up
More than 5,000 petitioners are calling for a new scheme in Bristol where children can ask for help in shops using a codeword.
The Ask for Mazie campaign was launched after a teenager failed to get help in Zara in Cabot Circus while being chased and was then beaten up outside.
The campaign is calling for training for businesses to provide an immediate, short-term safe space for any child who uses the codeword ‘Mazie’.
The campaign has been launched following a teen who failed to get help in Zara in Cabot Circus – photo: Ellie Pipe
Background checks and training would be handled centrally, removing the administrative burden from store managers, so shops can become “trusted community anchors”, without increasing their daily workload.
Campaigners are calling on Bristol City Council to back the scheme, including help with the costs and resources of training and DBS checks.
A Disclosure and Barring Service check looks to see if people have a criminal record, and is needed for working with children.
The public health and communities policy committee heard from campaigners on Friday.
Sharon Connor said: “This campaign started after a young girl named Mazie was hurt in our city.
“She went into a shop because she was being followed by a group of teenagers.
“Because the shop had no safety plan, she ended up back outside. This is when she was attacked.
“Since we started this, several other families have reached out to us.
“They have shared stories of their own, proving this is a city-wide problem. Already, businesses have stepped up to help us.
“The training for the shops will be very minimal, but the impact will be life-saving. We want to build a safety network for all our children.”
Mazie was attacked at the start of March by a group of teenagers, which was filmed and then shared on social media. She ended up in hospital after the attack.
Protesters later gathered outside Zara.
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The campaign mirrors the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme, where people in pubs, bars and clubs can discreetly ask staff for help if they feel unsafe or threatened on a date.
Trained staff should understand this is a call for help, and take them to a safe area and help them leave the venue.
Stephen Williams, chair of the public health committee and Liberal Democrat councillor for Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze, said: “It’s a very interesting idea and our Keeping Communities Safe committee will have a look at this, and see if we can take it forward.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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