Thread by @MichaelGLFlood

#HaveAWord with yourself, then your mates. A powerful video and campaign from
@MayorofLondon, here: (1:52 min. video). With more information at london.gov.uk/have-a-word. There are 8 things I think are important about this campaign.

1) The campaign rests on the fundamental insight that men have a vital role to play in preventing and reducing men’s violence against women. That preventing and reducing violence against women must not be women’s job alone. That would be simply unfair.

2) Most men do not use violence against women. But many men stay silent while their mates harass and abuse women or say and do things that condone and support this. Instead, men must speak up. Involving men means that women do not have to make change alone.

3) Men can play key roles in change. First, by looking at our own behaviour, making sure that we treat the women and girls around us with respect. Second, by speaking up and taking action when we see our mates behaving or talking in abusive, violent-supportive ways.

4) The ad harnesses the power of men’s peer relations (with friends, acquaintances, etc.). Men’s attitudes and behaviour are shaped in powerful ways by their male peers. Men who believe that other men are unwilling to act to prevent rape are more unwilling to intervene themselves

5) Men can change men. Some men will listen more readily to other men than to women. Male advocates and educators tend to be perceived as more credible and more persuasive by male participants. (For the evidence, see my book, pp. 212-213, free at xyonline.net/content/new-bo….)

6) The campaign invites men to be active bystanders, to speak up when their mates are harassing and abusing women. The ad shows the internal dialogue men may go through. They’re uncomfortable with the behaviour, know it’s wrong, but not sure about speaking up.

7) The ad shows how to intervene. In the moment, men can offer simple statements: “What are you doing? That’s enough.” But for plenty more on the everyday actions men can take, in response to violence-supportive comments etc., see the XY collection here: xyonline.net/content/bystan…

8) This ad is one sign of a wider shift in the prevention field, with growing calls for men to join with women in tackling men’s domestic and sexual violence against women. There are increasing campaigns, networks, policies, and evidence of impact. See xyonline.net/content/engagi…