Tackling violence against women and girls: “it starts with men”

In Derbyshire, police and partners are committed to tackling violence against women and girls – and to mark White Ribbon Day (25 November 2024), police and partners joined up for a moving event discussing the issue.

As part of the event, held at Matlock Town Hall, those who attended heard from both officers, campaigners and Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner. Everyone who spoke had a personal story to tell of experiencing unacceptable behaviour at the hands of men – whether this was being ‘shouted at’ whilst on a run, or experiencing abuse and control by a partner.

White Ribbon Day also marks the start of the 16-days of activism against gender-based violence – and this year, the message is ‘it starts with men’.

Men can play a key role in eradicating unacceptable behaviour by calling it out when they see it. By calling out unacceptable comments and behaviours at the very beginning, we can create an environment where violence is not the norm – helping to tackle everything from fear and abuse in women’s daily lives to the crimes with the most tragic consequences.

Detective Inspector Adam Gascoigne, from Derbyshire Constabulary, said: “I’ve seen firsthand the impact that certain behaviour from men can have on women, as well as the impact of the man’s friends finding this behaviour amusing and encouraging it.

“Our message to any men out there is call it out.

“If you see your friends behaving in a way that makes a woman feel uncomfortable, or which you know isn’t right, please speak up.

“By calling it out, you have the power to make that friend think twice about their actions and their words, and realise that it isn’t just ‘funny’ but it actually makes women feel very vulnerable and uncomfortable.

“Whilst White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Action is a great time to talk about this subject, Violence Against Women and Girls is something we work to tackle every day, so please do get in touch with us if you see something or experience something which isn’t right.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts added: “My recent survey highlighted just how strongly people feel about serious violence and violence against women and girls.

“Violence, misogyny and harassment have no place in our society and every woman should be confident that they are safe in public places. Anyone who has witnessed this type of unacceptable behaviour against women knows how difficult it can be to step in and help, particularly when it may involve family and friends.  This campaign provides the resources to do that and encourages people to be part of the solution.

“We have a collective duty to ensure women are treated equally, and with respect. We know that anyone can become a victim of domestic violence and we must support men who are also victims of violence. I really hope people will feel able to challenge unacceptable behaviours, recognise them for what they are and ‘call it out’.”

You can report to us through:

• 101
• 999 in an emergency
• Online through our reporting form.

You can also report any areas you feel unsafe, and the reasons why, through the StreetSafe reporting tool – which feeds information back to police and partners. This helps us work together to put things such as more patrols and better lighting in place, for example.