Enough is enough.
Change is long overdue and we need to act now to end male violence against women and girls.
That’s why we’re working across Herefordshire to make our streets safer, crack down on perpetrators, and provide support for victims and survivors of sexual abuse or violence.
No-one should live in fear of abuse. We can all do our bit to keep women and girls safe.
About violence against women and girls
The term ‘violence against women and girls’ refers to acts of violence or abuse that we know disproportionately affect women and girls.
It takes many forms. It can be emotional, physical, sexual or financial. It can be words or actions. It can be online or in person. At home or in the street.
Crimes and behaviour covered by this term include rape and other sexual offences, domestic abuse, stalking, ‘honour’-based abuse (including female genital mutilation forced marriage, and ‘honour’ killings), as well as many others, including offences committed online.
It can be inflicted by a partner, ex-partner, family member, colleague, friend or stranger.
But these are just some examples. Whatever form it takes, abuse should never be justified as ‘an act of love’ or dismissed as ‘harmless fun’. Any behaviour that embarrasses, demeans, frightens or distresses women and girls is abuse. And it has to stop.
Time for Change
Violence against women and girls is disproportionately perpetrated by men. That’s why we’re focusing on changing male attitudes towards women, calling out misogyny, and encouraging men to be allies and upstanders. All men, including those who are not perpetrating violence or abuse, have a responsibility to play a part in helping to end it.
We want to support a community-wide response to ending violence against women and girls – in our schools, workplaces and beyond.
It’s time to end violence against women and girls in any form.
There are safe ways to step in when we see or hear something abusive.
These actions don’t have to be dramatic or confrontational. They might not fix the problem there and then, but even small acts of recognition and support will make a difference. Together we can create a society where violence against women and girls is never tolerated.