SafeNet Conference delivers messages to men about standing up against domestic abuse

The regional conference, Men Speak Out, took place at the The Marriott, Broughton, Preston, on Tuesday, March 10, to coincide with the celebration of International Women’s Day 2020, featuring talks from domestic abuse advocate Luke Hart and founder of White Ribbon UK, Chris Green.

Other key speakers included professionals in the legal, HR and charity sector, shared advice on how to challenge domestic abuse in the workplace and beyond.

With women often being seen as the ‘voice’ of domestic abuse campaigning, the conference highlighted the importance of men working together with women to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, gender-based violence.

The day included practical advice for the 220 attendees from members of The Calico Group, with toolkit talks about how to open up conversations and encourage men in society to challenge toxic stereotypes, along with the opportunity for them to seek advice from industry leaders.

Alex Atkinson, Head of SafeNet Services, said: “The aim of this conference was to engage men in the conversation, to encourage men to recognise that violence towards women and girls affects everyone.

“It devastates whole families; women, girls, men and boys, and therefore it’s everyone’s responsibility to get involved and challenge societal attitudes that continue to collude with or condone violence and abuse.”

For more information about SafeNet and the work they do to support victims of domestic abuse across the North West, please visit https://safenet.org.uk/