Call for cultural change to protect women and girls as Male Ally Network launches in Cornwall

Call for cultural change to protect women and girls as Male Ally Network launches in Cornwall

Men and women across Cornwall are being invited to play a leading role in tackling violence against women and girls through a new Male Ally Network.

The initiative, which forms part of Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez’s wider Disrupt programme of work to protect women and girls from harm, aims to create a growing community of allies who are committed to challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours, and promoting healthy relationships

A launch event will take place in Wadebridge on Friday, July 24, bringing together representatives from businesses, education, sport, community organisations, the voluntary sector and public services to explore how allies can become active agents of change in their workplaces, clubs and communities.

The Male Ally Network has been developed in response to growing recognition that preventing violence against women and girls needs everyone to play their part. By encouraging positive conversations, challenging problematic behaviour and encouraging respect, the network seeks to address the root causes of violence and abuse before harm occurs.

The programme is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Devon & Cornwall Police, with the support of a Cornwall-based steering group led by Ambassador for Cornwall Geraint Richards, former High Sheriff of Cornwall, and comprising representatives from the police as well as Cornwall Council, Barnardo's, First Light, Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum, The Women's Centre Cornwall and West Cornwall Women's Aid.

Commissioner Hernandez said: “If we are serious about ending violence against women and girls, we need everyone to be part of the solution.

“The vast majority of men are not perpetrators of violence, but all men have a role to play in challenging harmful behaviour and creating environments where women and girls feel safe and respected.

“The Male Ally Network is about giving people the confidence, knowledge and support to step forward, become ambassadors for change and influence those around them.

“This launch marks an important step in building a movement across Cornwall that recognises preventing violence is everyone's responsibility.”

Research shows that attitudes and behaviours which enable violence can often go unchallenged. The Male Ally Network will encourage participants 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.

Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan said that it is especially important that men play their part in creating a lasting culture change.

He said: “I am proud to support the launch of the Male Allyship Network and to be part of an initiative that is committed to driving positive change. I greatly admire the passion and commitment shown by Geraint Richards, former High Sheriff of Cornwall, in championing this important work and encouraging others to step forward as allies.

“I firmly believe that men, particularly those in leadership and senior positions, have an important role to play as positive role models. We have a responsibility to use our influence to challenge harmful behaviours, foster respectful conversations, and promote healthy relationships. I have a responsibility to achieve this both within policing and in the civic role we all play in our own lives.

“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. By working together, we can make a real and lasting difference in preventing violence against women and girls and building safer communities for everyone."

Ambassador for Cornwall Mr Richards said he was ‘delighted’ to see people united in support of improving safety for women and girls.

He said: “During my year as High Sheriff of Cornwall I became deeply aware of, and moved by, the sad reality of the nature and extent of violence against women and girls. 

“Through conversations with others the idea of a Male Ally Network in Cornwall was developed and I am delighted to see so many people, representing organisations from across Cornwall, coming together with a determination to make a positive difference to the lives of women and girls here.”

Attendees at the launch event will hear more about the vision for the network from Chief Constable Vaughan, Mr Richards and campaign lead Alexis Bowater. There will also be a chance to take part in a workshop delivered by M.A.N: Culture as well as connecting with others who are committed to tackling violence against women and girls across Cornwall.

Allies already signed up to the scheme said they were honoured to be able to get play their part in bringing about change.

Andrew Hodges of M.A.N: Culture Plymouth said: “We are honoured to be invited to this first event for the Male Ally Network in Cornwall. 

“We look forward to sharing the journey we have been on and hope our groups can grow and support each other in highlighting the issues and keeping conversations going.”

Neil Smith of Cornish Pirates said: “I am extremely proud to be asked to be part of the Male Ally Network. 

“In my role as the community engagement manager at the Cornish Pirates, I have seen first-hand how important the work they do is to the local community. 

“I will look to continue that great work as part of this network and enhance the work we are doing at the Cornish Pirates.”

The Male Ally Network is supported through £100,000 of investment, including £50,000 from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and £50,000 from proceeds of crime funding allocated by Chief Constable Vaughan.

People interested in becoming an ally can sign up and register their details at https://devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk/disrupt-vawg/man. Community leaders interested in attending the launch can email elizabeth.record@dc-pcc.gov.uk for more information.