We have developed a first-of-its-kind strategy to outline what the council is doing to end male violence against women and girls.
Our new ‘Working Together to End Male Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy’ takes a preventative approach to tackle the root causes of sexism and male violence against women, focusing on male accountability and cultural change.
Across the UK, there are over one million crimes of violence against women and girls (VAWG) reported every year, with 95% of all victims of sexual assault being women and girls.
Of course, we know that the majority of men are not sexist or violent. However, statistically 93% of perpetrators of intimate partner violence are men. Misogyny and violence against women and girls is rooted in and enabled by existing social norms – so men and boys have a significant role to play in shifting these attitudes.
Cllr Anthony Okereke, the Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said:
“Stopping violence against women and girls is everyone’s business and enforcement alone is not enough - systemic change is needed. Our preventative approach will focus on preventing violence at the source, rather than on the behaviours of victims.
“By empowering residents, particularly young men and boys to promote a change in conversation and culture towards male accountability, we can create a real and lasting safer community for everyone in Greenwich and beyond.”
Cllr Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement said: “The Working Together to End Male Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy has been informed by real experiences and needs of survivors of abuse, following a public consultation.
“We want to become a leading authority in educating and protecting against gender-based violence and this strategy builds on the excellent work that has already taken place. By empowering men and boys as allies, providing more education around gender-based issues, and making sure everyone can access the support services they need, we can make a real difference and ensure women and girls feel safe and are safe.”
The strategy consists of seven key priorities on how we will end male violence against women and girls:
- Supporting victims and survivors
We will work to provide accessible support and safeguarding services for all victims of male violence, regularly train professionals in recognising the possible signs of violence and trauma and how to refer them, and develop a Male Psychological Safety and Wellbeing Action Plan.
- Allyship and community engagement
We will encourage men and boys to actively participate as allies in ending male VAWG and work in partnership with employers, sports clubs, bars and pubs, and community organisations to create environments where misogyny and harassment is not tolerated.
- Male accountability and behaviour change
We will hold men accountable for their actions and promote positive behaviour change through education and intervention programmes.
- Prevention and education
We will implement educational programmes and change campaigns in schools, workplaces, and communities to raise awareness about male violence, the importance of consent, positive role models, healthy relationships, and the support services available. We will also strengthen early intervention pathways for boys and young men displaying early warning signs of harmful or controlling behaviour.
- Using our legal powers
We will work with partners to ensure robust application of laws that protect women and girls from male violence, through enforcement, prosecution and behavioural interventions and advocate for policy changes.
- Public spaces safety
We will enhance safety measures in public spaces by adapting existing Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to be more effective in preventing harassment and violence and upgrading street lighting.
- Intersectionality and inclusivity
We will ensure our interventions are inclusive and recognise diverse needs and provide tailored support services for all victims of violence, including men, boys and children.