We can all play our part in ending abuse through our daily interactions with family members, friends, peers and colleagues. We can challenge sexism and misogyny when we encounter it. Sometimes those everyday conversations around attitudes and behaviour can create real change and allow true reflection on feelings.
Sometimes, though, we reflect on our own behaviour and see that something is not right.
There’s plenty that you can do to change things, you can:
- Ask questions of the people around you. Ask the women in your life what being a woman means to them and their feelings of safety.
- Learn about gender inequality, and about discrimination, and how that impacts individuals and groups.
- Think about your behaviour and the behaviour of those around you. Ask yourself if you have felt uncomfortable in a situation where a woman was being harassed, or if your own behaviour might have been an issue.
- Talk about your experiences with friends and family. Being open can help to change things.
If you do want to talk to someone about your behaviour, there is help available.
You can call the Respect Helpline on 0808 802 4040. This provides help for domestic violence perpetrators who are looking to stop.
Lucy Faithful run a specialist, confidential helpline for those worried about their behaviour towards children. The Stop It Now helpline is on 0808 1000 900
You can also call the National Domestic Abuse 24 -hour Helpline on 0808 2000 247. This offers free confidential support to victims, but also to those worried about friends or loved ones.
You may also want to visit White Ribbon, a UK-based charity that helps men and boys to end violence against women and girls.