PCC Blog: Why Men Matter in Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
As part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I had the privilege of sitting down to talk with Sal Naseem, former Director for London at the Independent Office for Police Conduct and White Ribbon UK ambassador, to talk about the role of men in tackling male violence against women and girls (MVAWG).
This year’s campaign focuses on online harms: misogyny, abuse, and harassment that women experience in digital spaces and the real-world consequences of those attitudes. We know that most men are not perpetrators, but we live in a culture where misogyny persists. If we are to achieve the government’s ambition of halving violence against women and girls, women cannot do this alone. Men must be part of the solution.
Sal shared powerful insights from his time investigating misconduct and systemic failings:
“There was a version of me before I was exposed to that level of misconduct and the suffering of women as victims, and there was a version of me after. Once your eyes are opened, you see things differently – and then you have opportunities to act.”
We spoke about allyship, cultural change, and practical steps like bystander intervention. Sal described how education and awareness transformed his perspective, enabling him to act in everyday situations to protect women and girls.
For me, this conversation reinforced why prevention is central to my work as PCC and as APCC national lead for victims and prevention. We need systemic change – stronger regulation of online platforms, better protections for young people, and cultural shifts that amplify positive male role models.
Every man can make a difference. Every conversation matters. Together, we can create a safer, more equal society.