Man to Man: How men can make a difference

It’s time to call you in

A powerful new spoken-word piece, “Man to Man”, has launched across Merseyside, calling on men to take action against street harassment and help make our communities safer for women and girls.

This campaign, part of Merseyside Police and the Police Commissioner’s ongoing Taking Action initiative to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), delivers a clear message:

Men have a vital role to play. It’s time to step up, rethink attitudes, and lead the change.

Why does this matter?

A survey conducted by Merseyside Police to inform the Taking Action campaign showed:

• 71% of women live in fear of a sexual assault
• 60% live in fear of being stalked
• 29% of women often felt unsafe and 57% sometimes felt unsafe in public places in Merseyside
• 89% of women avoid streets or areas they consider unsafe
• 78% cross the road to avoid men / groups of men
• 70% of women let people know when they start and end their journey
• 42% choose not to go out in the dark to avoid feeling unsafe 

Women and girls should be able to go about their daily lives without worrying about harassment, assault, or rape. Sadly, that’s not the reality for many.

You can help change that.

What can men do?

Every man has the power to make a difference. Here’s how:

Check your own behaviour

• Reflect on how you speak and act around women.
• Ask yourself: Would this make someone feel uncomfortable or unsafe?

Challenge harmful attitudes

• Don’t laugh off sexist jokes or comments.
• Speak up when you hear language that disrespects women.

Call out unacceptable behaviour

• If you see harassment, don’t stay silent.
• Support women by challenging inappropriate actions, safely and respectfully.

Lead by example

• Show your friends and family what respect looks like.
• Make it clear that harassment and misogyny have no place in your circle.

Hear the message

Liverpool poet Joseph Roberts brings this campaign to life with his raw and honest spoken-word piece, “Man to Man”.
Through evocative language, Joseph challenges men to take responsibility and start honest conversations about behaviour and respect.

Watch the video, share the message, and join the conversation using #ManToMan and #TakingAction.