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Open misogyny or “banter” could soon see you get arrested.

That’s according to North Yorkshire Police, which is pushing for misogyny to be classed as a hate crime.

The announcement was made on a force blog published on International Women’s Day.

“Very sadly, we live in a world where the reality is that women have to take extra measures such as carrying rape alarms, downloading protection apps for their phones, avoiding certain routes after certain times and look over their shoulder whilst walking home – all to avoid harassment or potential attack,” wrote Deputy Chief Constable Lisa Winward.

The force say including misogyny as a characteristic of hate crime would send a message to women that sexist behaviour “is not to be dismissed or trivialised”.

It follows Nottingham Police’s pioneering move last July to class misogyny as a hate crime, a move met with mixed response.

North Yorkshire Police acknowledge some found the idea “laughable” while others applauded the move.

But the force say sexist behaviour should be seen as “outdated” and that it simply can no longer be classed as “banter”.

Staff will now receive training over the next few months to “educate” officers as to what is misogynistic.

Dep Chief Con Lisa Winward wrote: “Yes, the police already have the relevant laws in place to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of harassment or assault, but by including misogyny as a characteristic of hate crime... (women) can take confidence in the fact that they will be listened to and taken seriously by the police and that support and advice is available to them.

“There is something they can do to take back control and there are steps that can be taken to stop this from happening again to them, or to anyone else.

That’s why North Yorkshire Police are currently taking the steps to add misogyny into its hate crime policy. In the coming months we will be looking to educate our front line officers in the recognition of the offence and the support available for victims.

“Our job is to keep the public of North Yorkshire safe and to ensure that the vulnerable are identified and protected,” continued Dep Chief Con Lisa Winward.

“This move ensures that a clear message is given to those women who feel fear or intimidation, whatever the reason, that they can come forward and report with confidence – they will be listened to and taken seriously.”