Party leaders are united in signing the ‘Real Man’ pledge

Fri, 25th Nov 11

The Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Leader of the Labour Party Ed Miliband have all signed the Women’s Aid ‘Real Man’ pledge to mark the International Day Against Violence Against Women.

Women's Aid is running a national campaign asking both men and women to help send out the message that 'Real Men' do not abuse and control women – physically, emotionally, sexually or financially. The campaign, which has so far featured images of a range of high profile men - including Duncan Bannatyne, Will Young, Reggie Yates and Westlife – asks supporters to sign the ‘Real Man’ pledge, which is:
• A 'Real Man' doesn't hit, abuse or control
• A 'Real Man' doesn't hurt the ones he loves
• A 'Real Man' makes a difference
• I'm supporting the 'Real Man' Campaign for Women's Aid, standing up to end violence against women and children

Women’s Aid have been aiming for 10,000 pledge signatures to present to government by 25th November, but with support from the customers of charity partner Midcounties Co-operative, currently have achieved over 15,000 signatures. The charity is now aiming for 100,000 signatures by its 40th birthday in 2014.

Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, Nicola Harwin CBE, said:
“We are thrilled that the Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Leader of the Labour Party Ed Miliband have all signed the ‘Real Man’ pledge, and showed their commitment to ending violence against women and children. Men have an important role to play in ending violence against women and the ‘Real Man’ campaign shows how powerful it is to have positive male role models to show the importance of respect in relationships.

As well as educating young people about healthy relationships to reduce domestic and sexual violence in the future, we also want to ensure that there will be specialist support services available for those who desperately need them.  Two women are currently killed by their partner or ex-partner every week in England and Wales, which is why it is vital that we all work together to reduce violence against women so that we can save lives and create a safer future.”

The Government’s International Champion on Violence Against Women, and Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone said:

“I am happy to support the Woman’s Aid Real Man Campaign because tackling violence against women and girls is not a task for central government alone. Men and women across society should feel able to speak out and challenge violent behaviour.

“But government also has a job to do and by developing an Action Plan to deliver practical steps we have helped reduce the risk to women and girls of being victims of these horrendous crimes. This has included the introduction of domestic violence protection orders to help keep abusive partners from being able to contact their victims.”

The Leader of the Labour Party, Rt. Hon. Ed Miliband MP said:
“I am proud to support the Real Man campaign. Women’s Aid have played a vital role in recent years of highlighting how domestic violence affects adults and children involved, and in providing services to support those who have suffered domestic violence. We need a campaign like this to increase awareness and to change cultures and behaviour.”

‘Real Man’ campaign t-shirts are currently available from www.debenhams.com and both ‘Real Man’ and ‘Fan of a Real Man’ t-shirts are available, along with badges and pledge forms, from www.realmancampaign.com. 

Notes to editors

1. About Women’s Aid
Women's Aid is the national charity working to end violence against women and children that co-ordinates and supports an England-wide network of over 500 local services. Keeping the voices of survivors at the heart of its work, Women's Aid campaigns for better legal protection and services, providing a strategic "expert view" to government on laws, policy and practice affecting abused women and children. In partnership with its national network, Women's Aid runs public awareness and education campaigns, bringing together national and local action, and developing new training and resources.   Women's Aid provides a package of vital 24 hour lifeline services through its publications (available in 11 languages including English), websites (www.womensaid.org.uk and www.thehideout.org.uk), and running the Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline in partnership with Refuge.  Women's Aid is a registered charity no 1054154.

2. 0808 2000 247: Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline (run by Women’s Aid and Refuge).

3. The Women’s Aid Website can be found at: www.womensaid.org.uk. This is a comprehensive website about domestic violence and its impact on women and children.  The website, which has over 2 million hits per month, has help sections in 11 languages for women experiencing domestic violence, as well as policy briefings and research findings. Women’s Aid also runs a website for children and young people experiencing domestic violence www.thehideout.org.uk