MHF back White Ribbon Day to end violence

The MHF is backing the White Ribbon campaign which is working to end male violence against women. Today — 25 November - is White Ribbon Day.

Almost half of all women in the UK experience domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking with the result that only 5% of women feel safe - 73% worry about being raped.

The campaign's statistics show that violence against women causes more deaths and disability among women aged 14-44 than cancer malaria, traffic accidents and war.

The campaign attracts support from across the community. At least 10 Premiership managers wore their ribbons over the last weekend. The campaign is hoping to build on its work with Blackburn, Derby, Everton, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

A spokesperson said: 'We are concerned about all forms of violence although our central focus is on male violence against women. Comparing violence committed by women and by men the British Crime Survey notes that the results of men's' violence is five times as likely to require medical attention. Women are four times as likely as men to fear for their lives, and three and half times more likely to be murdered by a male spouse than vice versa. We are however, also concerned by the comparatively rare acts of violence by women against men.

'We don't think that men are naturally violent and we don't think that men are bad. The majority of men are not violent. At the same time we do think that too many men have learnt to express their anger or insecurity through violence.'

Why violence against women is also a men's issue:

• Men are the main perpetrators of violence
• The lives of partners, friends, sisters and daughters of men are damaged

  by violence and abuse.

• Men can speak out and intervene when male friends and relatives insult or attack women.
• Men can help create a culture where the behaviour of a minority, who treat women and girls with contempt or violence, becomes unacceptable.
• Men can examine their own behaviour and consider changes which will

crate a world based upon gender inequality.

10 things men can do to help prevent male violence against women:

1. Realise that gender violence is a men's issue that affects the

   women we care about.

2. Never remain silent — confront the abusive behaviour of other men.
3. Understand how our own attitudes and actions may perpetrate

sexism and violence — work towards changing them.

4. Offer help and support if we accept a woman is being threatened
5. Respect women and treat them as equals
6. Ally with women who are working to end all forms of gender

violence

7. Speak out against homophobia
8. Educate ourselves against masculinity, gender, and inequality and

the root causes of gender violence

9. Mentor young men about ways to be men that do not involve

degrading or abusing women

10. Refuse to purchase magazines, videos or music that portrays

women in a degrading or violent manner.

Download the campaign's leaflet.