My personal experience as a woman who wants to feel safe during a night out is the driving force behind this petition. Women should be allowed to enjoy themselves without fear of unsolicited advances or worse, being victims of sexual assault. Unfortunately, we must face the reality that danger could be lurking in the most unsuspected places. This is where a new, clearer safeguard protocol comes in.

I propose to implement 'Yelp for Help' as a new safe word protocol in public places, much like the current 'Ask for Angela' protocol used in the United Kingdom. The protocol 'Ask for Angela' has been successful but understandably, not everyone might catch the reference, making its effectivity less impactful. With 'Yelp for Help', the intention becomes much clearer, increasing the chances of bystanders recognizing a call for help.

The statistics around sexual assault are alarming. In the United States alone, the FBI estimates that only 37% of all rapes are reported to the police – the lowest number since 2012(Center for Disease Control & Prevention, CDC). Even more concerning, the US Bureau of Justice Statistics states that 1 in 5 women face sexual assault during their college years.

The implementation of 'Yelp for Help' safe word protocol can contribute to the efforts in ensuring the safety of women and could potentially lower the prevalent sexual assault rates. This change might seem small, but its impact can be huge in creating safer spaces for women. We urge the relevant authorities to acknowledge and implement this enhanced safety protocol.

Join me and sign this petition to start making changes towards a safer world for all women.