Lincolnshire Police have launched a campaign focussing on men’s behaviour towards women.
The ‘You’re Right, That’s Wrong’ campaign calls on men to act when they see or hear public place harassment towards women or misogynistic attitudes.
The campaign asks men to consider when a friend’s actions cross the line.
Lincolnshire Police lead for violence against women and girls, detective superintendent Suzanne Davies, said: “The term ‘violence against women and girls’ indicates physical harm but all violence starts somewhere. Inappropriate actions and attitudes must be challenged at every turn.
“Catcalling, unwanted attention, sexist jokes, making a woman feel uncomfortable or threatened – these behaviours have no place in our society.
“We are supporting this campaign because it focuses on equipping young men with the confidence and tools to be an upstander rather than a bystander.
“‘You’re right, that’s wrong’ reinforces an understanding of what is unacceptable but also gives practical ways of challenging peers when that line has been crossed.”
The campaign aims to promote different ways in which men can challenge friends on their behaviour.
It includes: Being Direct – if it’s safe to do so, speak up, tell your mate their behaviour isn’t ok. This can be during or after the situation.
Getting Help – speak to other friends and decide how to act together. You can also get help and speak to others after the situation, to decide how best to speak to that mate.
Distraction – do something to change the situation, suggest doing something else or change the conversation.
A police spokesman said: “The key message of the ‘You’re right, that’s wrong’ campaign is that if you notice something that isn’t right, there are things you can do to intervene.
“By acting, you can help make Lincolnshire a safer place for women.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire Marc Jones said: “The sexual assaults and harassment of women and girls by men and boys is 100 per cent the responsibility of those men and boys and we must do more to encourage appropriate behaviours in our society.
“I am fully behind this campaign and will do all that I can to ensure everyone in our community can feel and be safe especially from sexual crimes and unwanted behaviours.”
For more information you can visit the campaign website: https://thatswrong.co.uk/
