Violence against women and girls is not inevitable, there is concrete action that can be taken to end it and to prevent it, and everyone has a role to play.
Along with the LGBT+ Staff Community and our other Staff Networks, the Women’s Network are supporting research to develop effective upstander intervention and to challenge microaggressions, which contribute to a culture of violence.
The principles of active bystander intervention [upstander] are the same, whether the victimisation or harassment is based on sexism, homophobia, ablism, racism or any other characteristic. Dr Amy Kavanagh shared how onlookers can support someone who is or has experienced harassment in our session on Disabled Women: Sexual Harassment and Assault.
How men can help
In this episode of the Healthy for Men Podcast, Professor Russell Luyt takes part in an honest discussion about the responsibility on men when it comes to the unacceptable abuse suffered by women. He also made the case in support of men as agents of change towards gender equality in our recent Gender Based Violence series.
Russell’s top tips for men in becoming visible allies for women include:
- Be willing to call out negative behaviour among other men
- Participate in allyship to women’s initiatives
- Look critically, on an ongoing basis, at their own behaviour and the impact it may be having on others, especially women and other marginalised groups
The Metropolitan Police have also provided these useful tips for helping other people feel safer on the streets.
Women's Night Safety
Following the Women's Network's series on Gender Based Violence earlier this year, we have been working with the university and Greenwich Students' Union and engaging with the Women's Night Safety Charter. We will share further information about how we are working together to prioritise women’s safety on our campuses. Look out for information across our channels this autumn.
How to stay safe, on or off campus
Your safety is our priority, whether you’re on or off campus. On campus we ask you to wear your Greenwich Gateway Card at all times, be vigilant, and report any suspicious activity to campus security immediately. Off campus these tips for staying safe on the street from the Metropolitan Police can help you feel more confident when out and about.
Safezone - our personal safety app
Our Safezone app is free to download and is designed to put you in touch with the on campus first aiders, security or emergency response teams more quickly, when needed. This article explains how it can be used to "check in" on campus and while studying or working alone.
Stay alert and stay safer with WalkSafe
The WalkSafe map shows police and WalkSafe community reports of dangers such as knife crime, sexual assault & mugging, and it automatically alerts you when you walk near these dangers.
You can use this information to plan safer routes and post live updates in your local area. Be a part of the growing community to stay informed and safer.