NEVER REMAIN SILENT ABOUT VIOLENCE TOWARDS WOMEN

Taking The Pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards women means a better life for you and those close to you. Part three of The Pledge.

Remaining silent about violence against women is ignoring it and doing nothing to challenge it. This impacts on all women and contributes to a culture where people don’t feel able to speak up and violence to women continues.

There are many instances and situations where men may remain silent about violence against women. For example:

• Knowing that violence is occurring and doing nothing
• Not making a stand when violence is happening
• Not challenging others when they make sexist jokes, comments or display sexist behaviour

When you challenge violence against women it is important to say what you don’t like, why, and what you think should happen. “Bro when you put down your partner she looks frightened, you need to stop or you will lose her”. When you challenge violence, it gives others permission to do the same.

There are a number of ways you can do this:

• Take action when you see violence happening, make sure it’s safe, if you can, get others to help
• Take part in collective action that prevents violence against women, such as taking The Pledge, wearing a White Ribbon and getting involved in community organisations and events
• Encourage men who use violence to seek help to live violence-free lives
• Challenge sexist jokes, comments or behaviours and let people know you think it’s not okay
• One person speaking out can make a change for many. Wear a White Ribbon to show you support men’s action to end violence to women