Strong male role models in our society are a vehicle to challenge societal norms, such as gender norms and entitlements.
They provide a counter narrative to media normalisation of male aggression, objectification of women and girls, and the difficult issues of consent in sexual relationships.
Respect for women and prioritising the safety of women and girls in all scenarios are the key to helping to change perception.
The Commissioner wishes to support the continued growth of opportunities across Devon and Cornwall, and champion further work to enhance and amplify its reach. Legacy programmes of work such as Safety of Women at Night Charters are established in some areas, as well as policing activities which target predatory behaviour, bystander interventions and transformative men’s groups which could also be amplified through this work.
The Commissioner’s office is currently supporting a Cornwall steering group comprising:
- Geraint Richards (High Sheriff of Cornwall)
- Police Commander for Cornwall
- Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
- Cornwall Council
- Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum
- Barnardo’s
- First Light
- The Women’s Centre Cornwall
- WCWA
The steering group is developing an approach to developing male mentors with a programme of activity to build momentum, develop skills, and create legacy programmes such as transformative men’s groups to provide safe spaces for men to unlearn harmful behaviours, discuss vulnerabilities and commit to being allies and public voices to improve the safety of women and girls.
The male allyship programme’s intention is to harness the power of strong male allies in the community to create a social movement of voices who stand up and change the narrative to combat violence against women and girls.
We believe this can be undertaken using influential men; influential organisations who are traditionally largely supported by men such as rugby and football clubs; young men’s groups and schools and existing men’s groups already working in this field.
A new and innovative approach is needed to encourage those not currently working in the domestic abuse sector to change the narrative.
The aim is to showcase the process of this work during the 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence from International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, to International Human Rights Day on December 10.
During these 16 days, individuals, organisations, and communities come together to advocate for a world free from domestic violence.
This is being financially supported by £50,000 from the Police and Crime Commissioner and £50,000 from proceeds of crime funding allocated by the Chief Constable of Devon & Cornwall Police.