Call out VAWG when you see it

Calling out sexism and misogyny is the frontline of ending violence against women and girls

By Anthea Sully

Men’s violence against women exists on a continuum — sexist jokes, banter, cat-calling and harassment end with rape and murder. Sometimes it is a challenge for us to get people to understand this. The details that have emerged from the trial and sentencing of the man who murdered Sarah Everard has horrifyingly shown this continuum.  

It has been reported that he had exhibited sexist behaviour, misogynist attitudes, viewed violent pornography and indecently exposed himself.  Many were aware of this behaviour. The outcome is likely to have been very different if it had been challenged and called out.

It is not enough for men to not be violent towards women – for there to be lasting change so that the violence stops, men need to take responsibility for helping to make that change happen.  All men can prevent violence by speaking out whenever they encounter such behaviour.  Our ongoing call of the White Ribbon movement is for men to not use violence, not to excuse violence and not to be silent about violence. Many men have got behind this message. 

If you have already made the White Ribbon Promise, we encourage you to get other men on board and to talk about this with your mates. Remember, you can call out the smallest thing.

A couple of weeks ago I was asked if we were a frontline service. At that time I did not see White Ribbon’s work as frontline.  But now I am certain that we are.  So far this year, 109 women have lost their lives where the suspect or suspects are male. The frontline of ending violence, of preventing violence, is ensuring that men are aware; understand that it’s their responsibility to change culture, and that they must listen to women and speak up. 

This work urgently needs resourcing. There has been a huge uptake in men making the White Ribbon Promise this year, and we have many more organisations getting involved. We must not lose this momentum.

Women’s lives are affected every day, by violence itself and by fear of violence. Let us be the generation that turns this around.

Earlier this year we worked with a company who gave their time and expertise to develop a campaign #AllMenCan.

We can call out the smallest thing.

We can see that it is not up to women to keep themselves safe.

We can know it's our job to notice when a woman feels uncomfortable, not wait for her to tell us.

We can learn that not being violent is not enough .

We can give women space.

We can work on our workplaces.

We can teach our sons, our fathers, and our brothers to respect women and girls.

We can stop thinking there is nothing we can do.