Hull City Council is backing a campaign led by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Humberside to create safer spaces for women and girls across the city and the wider region.
Grounded in extensive research and co-creation with young men aged 15 to 22, the Just Don’t campaign explores perceptions of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and aims to shift behaviours and attitudes.
The research revealed that while many young men recognised inappropriate behaviour, they often lacked the confidence or language to challenge it.
Building on this, Just Don’t empowers men to take action, whether that means speaking up directly or seeking support from a trusted adult.
Portfolio holder for communities and community safety, Councillor Ted Dolman, said: “We support any measures that will help to reduce everyday harassment and harmful behaviours faced by women and girls.
“Just Don’t is a hard-hitting campaign, but I think it’s what we need to send the message that men and boys really do need to think about how harmful their actions can be.”
Jonathan Evison, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Every woman and girl has the right to live free from fear, yet too often that right is stolen by violence and intimidation.
“This campaign is a call to men and boys: your voices, your actions and your choices matter – it is not enough to simply ‘not be violent.’
“We need men to challenge harmful jokes, confront disrespect and step in when they see abuse.
“Bystanders can be the difference between silence and safety.
“Together, we can build a culture where courage means standing up for women and girls, and where respect is the norm, not the exception.”
Through a bystander-led message – “Even if it’s your mate, just say something” – the campaign gives men and boys simple, practical ways to intervene safely.
With at least 86% of young women in the UK having experienced sexual harassment in public spaces, the campaign urges men and boys to be part of the solution – creating safer nights out, safer streets and safer communities.
It aims to build awareness, strengthen social responsibility and reinforce the idea that preventing violence is everyone’s role.
Just Don’t seeks to make positive intervention the social norm, particularly among men aged 18 to 25.
The OPCC and Humber Violence Prevention Partnership – of which Hull City Council is a member – are working with local venues, schools, youth groups and businesses to promote the campaign.
To find out more about Just Don’t, visit Just Don’t | Humber Violence Prevention Partnership.
You can also find out about other schemes where Hull City Council and partners are working together to tackle violence against women and girls, including the Young Lord Mayor recruiting 10 Young People Youth Ambassadors from each secondary school in the city to support the aim to end gender-based harm.
Visit White Ribbon Day: schools focus for anti-violence campaign – Hull CC News.