Northumbria's police and crime commissioner has called on employers to help tackle public sexual harassment.

Susan Dungworth wants businesses to empower their staff to become 'active bystanders' who can intervene in everyday situations.

The initiative comes as White Ribbon Day, which marks the start of 16 days of action to eliminate violence against women and girls, approaches.

The initiative comes as White Ribbon Day approaches (Image: Supplied) Ms Dungworth is particularly keen to see male-dominated industries, such as construction and mechanics, take the lead.

She said: "According to UN Women UK, 80 per cent of women have experienced sexual harassment in public, and that’s a lot of people witnessing these behaviours too.

"I have spoken to people who have been on the train, at the gym, or even at work events and they have seen harassment and have been left feeling guilty that they didn’t know how to step in to stop it."

According to UN Women UK, 80 per cent of women have experienced sexual harassment in public (Image: Supplied) Active bystander training, introduced in May 2023, has already seen 430 people trained across the region.

The training provides the understanding and confidence to challenge sexist attitudes and behaviours.

Ms Dungworth aims to double this number within the next year.

Active bystander training has already seen 430 people trained across the region (Image: Supplied) She said: "This training is for anyone who might witness sexual harassment – which is all of us.

"When we see or hear sexual harassment and do nothing, we empower the harasser."