WRUK response to disappearance of Sarah Everard

As we learn of the ongoing developments in the police investigation into the disappearance of Sarah Everard the Chair of White Ribbon UK, Peter Lassey, has released the following statement:

Our thoughts go out to Sarah’s family, friends and colleagues at this dreadful time. 

All women should be able to live their lives without fear of men’s violence.  Male violence however is something that is prevalent in society and culture and is not addressed as it should be.  White Ribbon seeks to work with men, to change the attitudes and culture in which such violence is normalised and allowed to develop.  Most men are not violent but all men can play a part in ending violence by thinking of their own behaviour and that of their friends and by speaking out. Silence is not an option.

The White Ribbon campaign calls on men to challenge narratives and structures that objectify or belittle women.

It must not fall on women to have to change how they go about their lives because of the fear and risk of violence.  This is a male problem and men must be the ones to take ownership and change cultures and behaviours so that such violence ends once and for all.