About Ask for Angela
Helping people discreetly seek support in licensed venues when they feel unsafe, threatened or vulnerable.
A Voice for The Vulnerable
Ask for Angela is a widely recognised safeguarding initiative that provides a simple, discreet way for people to seek help when they feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or at risk. We started out in licensed venues but the scheme can work anywhere, including at festivals, on public transport, or even on the street.
If a situation begins to feel wrong—whether during a date, a night out with friends, or after being approached by someone whose behaviour causes concern—support is available without confrontation. By approaching a member of staff and asking for “Angela,” individuals can signal that they need assistance. Trained staff will respond calmly and confidentially, helping the person leave the situation safely and without drawing unwanted attention.
Read our Testimonials for insight into our scheme at work.
The Meaning Behind Our Name
Ask for Angela is named in memory of Angela Crompton (née Phillips).
Angela’s life was tragically cut short in June 2012 when she was killed by her husband, Thomas Crompton, at their home in Arminghall, Norfolk. Her death, following a domestic argument, deeply affected her family and shocked the wider community. The scheme carries her name as a lasting reminder of why early intervention, awareness, and safe exits from unsafe situations matter.
In The Words of Hollie, Angela’s Daughter
Growing up my mum was the best. Always the most fun, bubbly, vibrant, outgoing and caring person.
When I was around 15 she met a man, they shortly married and a few months later she was killed. She was killed by him, with a hammer, in the home they shared, over an argument so small about decorating.
She was an amazing mother, daughter, sister and friend and taken away from us all too soon in the most horrific way.
A few years later through a mutual friend of Mum’s, we met Hayley Crawford. Hayley started Ask for Angela, named in my mother’s memory. This has given us such a sense of pride and closure knowing that women and people who feel unsafe in public spaces are using her name for safety. I’m sure she would be so incredibly proud to know that she has helped so many people worldwide and continues to do so as the safety scheme grows.
Exposure and understanding of the scheme is imperative to ensure the scheme works effectively and helps as many people as possible.
The 10 year anniversary poster of Ask For Angela shows a cartoon representation of my mother from one of the few pictures we have of her. I hope that next time you see the poster, you will think of her and the many people the scheme has helped and stand with us in the fight against violence against women. I’m very grateful for Ask For Angela, despite the circumstances, making public spaces safer everyday.
The Founder of Ask for Angela
Hayley Crawford is the creator and founder of Ask for Angela, the nationally recognised safety initiative designed to help people discreetly seek support when they feel unsafe on a night out.
She developed the scheme while working as a Strategic Lead for Sexual Violence in Lincolnshire, shaped by both her professional expertise and her lived experience of sexual assault in public places. Together, these experiences have driven her commitment to survivor-centred, practical approaches to tackling violence against women and girls and improving safety in public and social spaces.
What began as a local safeguarding solution has grown into an internationally recognised public-safety campaign. Hayley’s work has received significant recognition, including the Suzy Lamplugh Award for Safety Campaign of the Year (2017), the Malcolm Eidmans Pubwatch Award, and a police commendation for her leadership and work addressing violence against women and girls. She has also received a formal plaque from New South Wales Police in recognition of her contribution to public safety and the creation of a transferable safety scheme, and was a shortlisted nominee for the Centre for Women’s Justice Emma Humphreys Award.
Hayley is a passionate public speaker on night-time economy safety and violence prevention. She has spoken at international and national events, including a global night-time economy conference in Sydney, a night-life safety panel in Amsterdam, and the Pubwatch Annual Conference in the UK, among many others.
She remains deeply committed to supporting Ask for Angela as it moves in to a charitable organisation, ensuring the scheme continues to operate with integrity, accessibility, and a clear public-benefit focus — grounded in lived experience and driven by a passion to create safer spaces for everyone.
Working With Venues to Create Safer Spaces
Ask for Angela works in partnership with licensed venues to embed safeguarding into everyday operations. Participation is designed to be straightforward, practical, and accessible, ensuring staff feel confident responding when someone asks for help.
Venues that join the scheme receive comprehensive digital resources, including staff guidance, clear response procedures, and visible materials that discreetly inform customers how to seek support.
There are no costs to take part. All guidance, training materials, and posters are provided free of charge.
We collaborate closely with Pubwatch groups, who help coordinate Ask for Angela locally across pubs and entertainment venues. We also work alongside businesses, police, local authorities, and Business Improvement Districts to support consistent and responsible delivery of the scheme.
How to Get Involved: For Venues
If you operate a pub, bar, restaurant, nightclub, or entertainment venue, we encourage you to get involved. We will provide everything you need—free of charge—to implement Ask for Angela correctly and responsibly.
If you are part of a Pubwatch scheme, Shop Watch or BID area, encourage them to contact us so we can ensure all those venues in your area are supported to implement the scheme.
How to Get Involved: For The Public
If your local venue does not currently participate in Ask for Angela, please ask them to get in touch with us. Your voice helps expand the scheme and protect others.
If you need help, ask for Angela. If you can help, help us spread the word.