India Protocol

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Our Core Safeguarding Initiative

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The India Protocol is the cornerstone of the Cheltenham Guardians Safeguarding Team's mission to protect and support women in Cheltenham’s night-time economy. Born from tragedy and driven by a commitment to change, this proactive safeguarding initiative has become the most effective female-focused protection program in any night-time economy across the United Kingdom.

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The Origin of the India Protocol

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In 2016, the tragic rape and murder of India Chipchase in Northampton sent shockwaves through communities nationwide. For the Cheltenham Guardians, who had already been working to safeguard lone females since our inception in 2015, this event was a pivotal moment. It underscored the urgent need for a more targeted, robust and proactive approach to protecting women at night. In response, CGST founder Terry Howard developed the India Protocol - named in memory of India - to honour her legacy and ensure that no woman feels unsafe or unprotected on a night out in Cheltenham.

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With the support of India's family, the India Protocol has grown into a flagship initiative that embodies our resolve to prevent similar tragedies and provide immediate, practical support to those who need it most.

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What is the India Protocol?

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The India Protocol is a structured, proactive safeguarding strategy designed to identify, approach and assist vulnerable women before they find themselves in harm's way. It operates on a simple yet powerful principle: Approach, Ascertain and Assist.

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• Approach: Our trained Guardians actively patrol Cheltenham's streets every Saturday night and Sunday morning from 10pm to 4am, identifying women who may be at risk - whether due to intoxication, isolation or other vulnerabilities.

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• Ascertain: We engage with individuals to assess their situation, ensuring they are safe, supported and aware of their options. This might involve checking if they have a way home, are with trusted friends or need immediate help.

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• Assist: We provide practical support tailored to each person's needs - whether that's arranging safe transport, escorting them to our Nightcare Hub or coordinating with emergency services. Over 30% of our service users are identified and assisted before they even realise they need help.

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This proactive approach sets the India Protocol apart. Rather than waiting for women to seek assistance, we take action to mitigate risks early, ensuring their safety and well-being.

 

Safety of Women at Night in Cheltenham

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The safety of women at night in Cheltenham has been a focal point of local research and community action, driven by studies highlighting significant concerns. A 2021 survey conducted by Cheltenham Borough Council revealed that 72% of women respondents did not feel safe in the town centre at night, a figure that rose to 75% during the annual Cheltenham Festival race week. This study, which gathered input from 638 participants, also found that 30% of women reported experiencing regular sexual harassment, with 33% noting these incidents occurred frequently in pubs and clubs. Despite the prevalence of such experiences, 34% of respondents did not report them, often citing a lack of confidence in being taken seriously. Further, 94% of women indicated they had altered their behavior - such as avoiding certain areas or times - due to safety concerns. These findings align with broader UK trends, such as a 2021 European Social Survey analysis which noted that 32% of British women feel unsafe walking alone at night, compared to 13% of men.

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Impact and Reach

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Since its introduction, the India Protocol has safeguarded thousands of women and girls in Cheltenham, significantly reducing the burden on emergency services, the NHS, and the criminal justice system. To date, our efforts have saved over £1.8 million in public resources and countless operational hours, while making Cheltenham a safer place to enjoy a night out.

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The success of the India Protocol has inspired similar efforts beyond Cheltenham. Our vision is to see the India Protocol implemented in every night-time economy across the country, creating a nationwide network of safety for women.

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Why It Matters

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The night-time economy should be a place of enjoyment, not fear. Yet too many women face risks - whether from predatory behavior, intoxication or simply being alone. The India Protocol addresses these challenges head-on, offering a safety net that empowers women to enjoy their nights out with confidence. It's more than a program; it's a promise to our community and a tribute to India Chipchase’s memory.

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How You Can Support the India Protocol

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• Stay Safe: If you're out in Cheltenham, know that we're here for you. Call us at 01242 350 330 or visit the Nightcare Hub at 1 Royal Crescent if you need assistance. We are operational every Saturday night between 10pm and 4am.

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• Spread the Word: Share our mission with friends and family to raise awareness of the India Protocol and its impact.

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• Volunteer: Join our team of dedicated Guardians or NightCare Hub volunteers and help us expand our reach. Learn more on our Volunteer page.

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• Donate: Funded by donations and sponsorship, every contribution helps us keep boots on the ground. Support us via our Ko-fi page (www.ko-fi.com/cheltenhamguardians) or Amazon wishlist.

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Together, we can ensure that every woman in Cheltenham - and beyond - gets home safely. The India Protocol is our commitment to that goal and with your help we'll continue to make a difference, one night at a time.