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Now Piteå Stadshotell, Kust Hotell, Hotel Bishop Arms and Piteå Havsbad are taking a joint action with the Police and Piteå Municipality against violence and prostitution. The starting point is Hotellkurage, a developed policy in the event of violence, sex trafficking or human trafficking that is used in many places. In practice, it is about taking a stand and at the same time urging hotel guests and staff to act when they suspect that everything is not right.

Hotel Courage is part of the Home Courage method, which is a violence prevention method to prevent, deter and stop violence in close relationships and against loved ones. The method aims to increase knowledge about violence and civil courage to get more people to act when they are concerned that someone is being harmed in their home. 

– If we are many different actors participating together with civil society, we can spread the message that this is not okay. At the same time, we want to show that there is support and help available for those at risk and that you can always contact us if you have any questions. In the event of an emergency, you can always reach the police and social emergency services via 112, says Sofie Isaksson, head of department at the social services and Bo Hedlund, the police in Piteå.

Hotel courage means taking a stand on the issue and at the same time creating conditions for guests and staff to be able to act when there is a fear that everything is not right. We encourage you to act by:

• Try to locate which room it is.
• Knock – you can always knock and leave if it feels unsafe to stay
• Contact reception or other hotel staff and tell them about your concerns and observations.
• Call the police immediately if it is an emergency or threatening situation.

It is important that everyone wants and dares to take a stand against domestic violence and against sex trafficking. Hotels have many guests who come and go, which makes them places where you can see different things both as a guest and an employee. When you have knowledge, it is easier to act.

– If we as stakeholders take a stand on the issue and increase our knowledge, it will also contribute to increased safety for both guests and staff, says Kristoffer Lundström Pite Havsbad.

Those behind the local initiative with Hotellkurage are Piteå Municipality and the Piteå Police in collaboration with Piteå Stadshotell, KUST Hotell & SPA, Hotel Bishop Arms and Pite Havsbad.