At a popular Valencia nightclub, an incident unfolded on a Saturday night at 21:30 in front of a crowded bar. Two men in their forties approached a 20-year-old woman who repeatedly stated in English, “I don’t want to.” The scene drew the attention of many witnesses, leaving staff and patrons startled by the audacity of the action.
The venue manager recalled the moment a local waiter acted swiftly. He activated a built-in safety protocol by dispatching a radio message that triggered the Angela protocol. Within moments, two security guards intervened, separating the young woman from the alleged aggressors and guiding her to a safe, private area where she could recount what had happened. The men then went to a distant room and alerted local police on patrol about the incident.
Responding officers and medical staff assisted the young woman, who was taken to the Hospital Clínico de Valencia accompanied by a female guardian or witness. The Local Police Abuse Attention Group (GAMA) in Valencia initiated the victim-support protocol for sexual assault. During examination, the woman recalled two men nearby, and she described feeling uncomfortable when one man nudged her, prompting her attempts to leave that were unsuccessful. Forensic evidence was collected, and the suspects were later detained at the Zapadores police station.
This international safety framework is widely referred to as the ‘Angela’ protocol and has been invoked in high-profile cases, including when a public figure is involved. The core idea is to empower staff and bystanders to act quickly when a woman is disturbed, assaulted, or may have been drugged to facilitate a non-consensual encounter. The protocol outlines steps to approach the situation discreetly, without arousing suspicion in the alleged abuser, while ensuring immediate protection for the victim.
In practice, the protocol urges staff to respond quietly and decisively. If a disturbance occurs, trained personnel will escort the victim away from the suspected aggressor, invite the victim to go somewhere safe, and offer basic necessities like water or warmth. Police should be contacted promptly if the situation demands it, and medical professionals should be involved to assess any injuries or potential drugging indicators. The aim is to create a secure environment where the survivor can speak openly when ready, with professionals guiding the next steps.
Some venues have adopted the Angela protocol as part of their standard operating procedure. It can be triggered in different ways—from a direct, spoken request by a staff member to a visible, observable incident noticed by a witness within the venue. In every case, the priority is to minimize further contact between the survivor and the alleged offender while ensuring the survivor has access to support and a safe exit from the building.
During activation, staff direct the victim to a private area and limit contact with the alleged offender. They may ask whether the victim has someone accompanying them and, if available, arrange for a companion. Basic comforts, such as clothing or water, can be provided, and the survivor is informed that law enforcement has been notified and will guide the next steps. In serious cases, the protocol prioritizes rapid police involvement and thorough safeguarding of the victim.
Support within the workplace emphasizes a proactive, nonconfrontational response. Managers report that this is the first incident of its kind in several years and highlight ongoing training that improves vigilance and response. Staff are encouraged to remain calm, act as a radar for potential danger, and respond in a way that prevents escalation while preserving the victim’s dignity and safety. This balance—protective action paired with sensitivity—helps prevent retaliation or blame and reinforces the shared responsibility of the entire team.
How can victims recognize and use the Angela protocol?
To raise awareness, many venues post clear messages in staff areas and restrooms that encourage visitors to seek help if they feel uncomfortable or threatened. A common formulation is: If you feel unsafe or interrupted, ask about Angela at the bar. This approach aims to empower witnesses and survivors alike, making help accessible in moments of vulnerability, even before a situation escalates.
When the protocol is activated, staff work discreetly to remove the survivor from contact with the potential offender. Observations can include physical indicators such as bloodstains, torn clothing, or other signs that a confrontation has occurred. Guards are instructed to maintain the survivor’s safety and to retain control of the situation, ensuring the offender cannot simply leave the area or wash away evidence without police involvement.
Beyond the immediate response, venues emphasize aftercare: helping the survivor leave the premises safely, often with a companion and by arranging transport when appropriate. The protocol can be invoked without prior notification if an employee witnesses sexual harassment or assault, underscoring the importance of a quick, compassionate response in real-time. In instances of gender-based violence, a public helpline is available in many regions on a 24-hour basis, designed to offer confidential guidance and information without leaving a bill trace on any account.
Cited authorities and safety organizations advocate a consistent, respectful approach that prioritizes survivor autonomy, privacy, and safety. The Angela protocol represents a practical framework designed to unite staff, witnesses, and emergency services in a coordinated response that prioritizes immediate protection and supportive care for the survivor.