Sunderland domestic violence charity chief on the importance of challenging misogyny as new course launched
“One in three parents have noticed misogynistic behaviour among children at their child’s school”
The chief of a Sunderland charity which supports women who’ve suffered domestic abuse has stressed the importance challenging misogynistic attitudes and behaviours to help set an an example and instil key values in our children and young people.
Wearside Women in Need CEO Laura Seebohm was speaking to the Echo following the publication of a YouGov survey which revealed one in three parents (31%) have noticed misogynistic behaviour among children at their child’s school.
17%of parents said they‘d noticed it among their child’s friends, although just 7% said they’d noticed it in their own child.
Laura said: “We meet violence against women and girls when the consequences of abuse are already very real. That's why prevention and education matters so much. I think everyone would want children and young people to grow up knowing respect, equality and safety are the ordinary foundations of relationships, not something we only talk about once harm has happened.”
Laura stressed the importance of setting an example to children by challenging misogyny.
She added: “Misogyny doesn't begin with violence. It begins with everyday messages about women and girls that we laugh off, excuse or call jokes or banter.
“If we really want to prevent violence against women and girls, we have to be brave and willing to interrupt those messages much earlier, when we hear them in our everyday lives.
“Challenging misogyny shouldn't mean shaming anyone. We can be clear that a behaviour is unacceptable while remaining curious about where it has come from and keeping that conversation open.
“Safe relationships, compassionate conversations and firm boundaries create opportunities not only for young people to learn something different, but for all of us by helping build communities across Sunderland and Wearside that are proud to stand united against violence, abuse and misogyny.”
The results of the survey are also a concern for Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, who is encouraging parents to sign up for free active bystander training, helping people “build the confidence and practical skills to safely challenge sexism, harassment and misogyny if they see it”.
The training explores different forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG), attitudes and myths that can contribute to harmful behaviour, and why people sometimes hesitate to intervene when they witness something.
The course also explores how to have constructive conversations with friends, family and colleagues about sexism and misogyny, helping participants challenge harmful attitudes and encourage others to do the same.
Crime Commissioner Dungworth said: “We all have a role to play in tackling violence against women and girls, and as parents that starts with the example we set.
“In the UK, 71% of women have experienced sexual harassment in a public space. It doesn’t have to be this way. When we see or hear sexual harassment and do nothing, we empower the harasser. My message is we can all do something – this training will teach you how.”
The free training is open to adults aged 18 and over who live, work or study in Northumberland or Tyne and Wear. It’s delivered over two half-day sessions at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Victory House, Balliol Business Park, Benton Lane, Newcastle.
You can register you interest by emailing [email protected]
Further information can be found at northumbria-pcc.gov.uk/bystander