Challenging notion that violence against women is just a female issue – guest blog

A guest blog by Graham Goulden, former police officer of 30 years with eight years at the ground-breaking Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) – discusses how to reframe the debate…

News feeds have been dominated by content describing acts of violence being committed against women. The horrific 2021 murder of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer added a new dimension to how women maintain their personal safety.

Invariably, when cases like this are discussed, the focus is placed on the behaviour or actions of the victim. But when this happens, we risk playing into a victim-blaming narrative which presents a major barrier to the long-term prevention of these appalling crimes.
 
Also, those who are committing these acts are rendered invisible from the discussion.
 
#DontBeThatGuy

The ‘Don’t be that guy’ campaign developed by Police Scotland has helped refocus prevention, taking it right back to men. Uncomfortable as it may be, the reality is that men make up the main group who are responsible. 

‘Not all men’, I hear you say. 

However, try telling that to a woman who is scanning the streets, for ‘that guy’. This campaign has asked men to reflect on their words and language. A lot of behaviours are often excused as banter. ‘That guy’ has presented the reality that acts of sexual violence starts with these behaviours. Furthermore, the campaign and website allow men to learn what they can do and to be better allies in helping them speak to other male friends about this crucial and previously dismissed topic.

Ultimately, we can only hope this will support longer-term prevention and a safer space and environment for women and girls alike.

Find out more about sexual harassment on our website.