We welcome the Government’s new strategy for addressing violence against women and girls. Violence against women causes more deaths and disability among women aged 15 to 44 than cancer, malaria, traffic accidents and war. It is therefore vitally important that this issue be given the attention it deserves. As an educational organisation, we have developed a programme that seeks to achieve this.

The White Ribbon Campaign also recognises that men can work alongside women to help educate our children and challenge other men who act violently or espouse social attitudes that justify violence. We can also play a supportive role towards women who may be experiencing abuse. In doing so, we are promoting a positive vision of masculinity and helping to protect our wives, mothers and daughters.

James Elsdon-Baker, Spokesperson, White Ribbon Campaign, Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire.