Male Violence Against Women and Girls

Ending the epidemic of male violence against women and girls is personal for me, having seen it play out in my own family. And I know all too well that at this very moment, women and girls are experiencing violence, misogyny, and degradation at the hands of men. We must call this what it is – male, gendered violence.

It is sobering to think that 80% of the violence perpetrated against women and girls is done so by someone they already know – a colleague, a friend, a partner, a relative. This tells us that while policing and enforcement are important tools, nothing will change until our culture changes. Nothing will change until the way we raise young men and boys changes.

This is why the Mayor’s “Have A Word” campaign strikes at the heart of the problem, seeking to address male violence against women and girls as a social and cultural disease rather than simply a matter of crime-fighting. And for the Mayor of London, a man in public life, to be the torch-bearer for this campaign has been a source of inspiration.

As your London-wide Assembly Member I would lend my voice and my commitment to this effort and work with the Mayor, with schools, with charities and with local authorities to fundamentally address the scourge of male violence against women and girls – allowing London to live up to its reputation as a place where, no matter who you are, you will be given the dignity and respect you deserve.