We, concerned residents of Portsmouth, are deeply troubled by the use of Jack The Ripper's name, images, and branding associated with Ripper & Co - a horror themed bar located in Southsea, Portsmouth. We believe that this establishment's choice of theme is not only insensitive and exploits the five victims of Jack the Ripper - Polly Anne Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes and Mary Jane Kelly - but also perpetuates a glorification of violence against women.

We respectfully ask that the owners of Ripper & Co take immediate action to rename their establishment, removing any association with Jack the Ripper. By doing so, they will demonstrate their commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for all patrons, that is not disrespectful to the five victims of Jack the Ripper.

Please sign this petition if you believe in fostering a community that rejects violence against women, and supports initiatives promoting inclusivity and respect.

Together, let's ensure Portsmouth remains a city that stands against such exploitation.

Here are some of the reasons to support this petition:

1. Historical significance
Jack The Ripper was a notorious serial killer who terrorised the streets of London in the late 1800s. His crimes were heinous and targeted vulnerable women, leaving a lasting impact on society's perception of violence against women. Using his name for entertainment purposes trivialises the suffering endured by his victims.

2. Disrespectful to victims
The five victims of Jack The Ripper were real people with families and loved ones who mourned their tragic deaths. A descendent of one of the victims, Annie Chapman, is a member of the Ripper & Co Protest Group. By associating the victims' pain with an establishment that promotes drinking and entertainment, we disrespect their memory and perpetuate a culture that encourages violence against women.

3. Association with fictional characters
Ripper & Co has been described by it's owner as being "based on traditional movie horror characters, with some contemporary favourites sprinkled in". Focusing on Jack the Ripper in the title of this venue, plays into the idea of Jack the Ripper as a fictional character, rather than a brutal real-life murderer.

4. Undermining Portsmouth's commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls
Portsmouth City Council is committed to eliminating violence against women and girls, and our city prides itself on being an inclusive community where all individuals feel safe and respected. Having a bar named after one of history's most notorious murderers sends the wrong message about our city's values. It disregards the city's dedication to eliminating violence against women and girls, and is likely to play a role in normalising rape culture and gender-based violence normalised and accepted. It undermines the Safer Streets work the council has undertaken to reduce crime and make Portsmouth a safer place to live and work, and the council's recent White Ribbon accreditation to end male violence against women and girls.

5. Reinforcing harmful stereotypes and trivialising knife crime
The branding associated with Ripper & Co further reinforces harmful stereotypes surrounding violence against women as something to be celebrated or glamorised for entertainment purposes. The use of knives in the branding is of particular concern, creating an environment where harmful acts can be normalised or even romanticised. We ask the owners to remove any use of knives in the branding associated with the bar.

6. Promoting awareness instead
Rather than exploiting Jack The Ripper for commercial gain, we urge the owners of this establishment to consider what measures they can take to ensure women feel safer, and that they promote awareness about violence against women.

Please sign this petition now