Men urged to speak out on violence against women

A new initiative to tackle violence against women and girls has been launched.

The Male Ally Network aims to empower men to not be silent bystanders to inappropriate conversations and harmful attitudes and behaviours.

Alexis Bowater, project lead for the initiative, said: "The only way that we can tackle it, is together."

The new scheme launched in Wadebridge, Cornwall, on Friday.

The Male Ally Network encourages those involved to consider the influence they have as colleagues, friends, teammates, leaders, fathers, partners and role models, and how that influence can help shape safer and more respectful communities.

The former High Sheriff of Cornwall, Geraint Richards, has agreed to be the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ambassador for the campaign and said it would involve bystander training for organisations and businesses to raise awareness and encourage people to call it out.

The scheme is supported through £100,000 of investment - made up of £50,000 from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and £50,000 from proceeds of crime funding allocated by Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan.

Richards said the "tragic consequences" of violence against women and girls was "a significant societal issue".

He said his eyes were opened to "the scale" of the issue after a visit to West Cornwall Women's Aid.

"I met six women who sadly had to benefit from the services of that amazing charity," he said.

"It's such an enormous problem, often hidden, often, you know, we don't see it, but it is happening... throughout Cornwall and we need to reduce it."

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said the launch of the scheme marked an "important step in building a movement across Cornwall that recognises preventing violence is everyone's responsibility".

She said the vast majority of men were not perpetrators, but all men had a role to play in challenging harmful behaviour.

Vaughan said he "firmly believed" men, particularly those in senior positions, had an important role to play as positive role models.

"I encourage organisations and individuals across Cornwall to get involved, support this initiative, and help create a culture where violence against women and girls is never tolerated," he said.

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