For decades, the subject of sexual violence against women seemed to have been overlooked. Many women were subjected to being sexually harassed and assaulted by men who felt as though they were in the right and looking to gain positions of power. Police Scotland has launched a new campaign video that aims to tackle sexual violence against women by changing the way men act.
The initiative which was released on Tuesday, titled ‘Don’t Be That Guy’ addresses common behaviors that often make women feel uncomfortable.
A series of male actors talk to the camera and ask, “Ever called a girl a ‘doll’?”, “saw a woman on the bus” or “told my partner, ‘I’ll do that’”.
It challenges the way some men compliment women “and then wonder why they didn’t get a thank you”, thinking they’re doing something for men, wearing unwanted socks or “crime-trip women”.
The other cast in the video asks: “Do you ever get three shots of him in a row hoping you’ll get him one shot? “Then what? Tucked her in a taxi, and took her back to him?”
“Most people don’t look in the mirror and see a problem,” the video ends, “but it’s staring us in the face. Sexual violence starts much earlier than you think. #DontBeThatGuy.” Twitter @thatGuyScotland
Police Scotland powerful new campaign tackles sexual violence
MOST PEOPLE DON’T LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND SEE A PROBLEM. BUT IT’S STARING US IN THE FACE. SEXUAL VIOLENCE STARTS MUCH EARLIER THAN YOU THINK. #DONTBE THATGUYPIC.TWITTER.COM/78B05S5LRK
— DON’T BE THAT GUY (@THATGUYSCOTLAND) 13 OCTOBER 2021
The campaign is triggered by growing concerns about the safety of women in the UK. The kidnapping, rape and murder of Sarah Everard at the hands of a then-serving police officer has raised concerns that women might no longer trust the police force.
The Metropolitan Police’s response in recent weeks has made it even worse, as officers have recommended women “flag off the buses” if they fear an officer, or call the police to investigate. Whether there is a certified officer or not.
The government has also refused to make misogyny a hate crime.
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab later found himself in hot water when he failed to define what misogyny actually meant.
Police Scotland’s campaign has received overwhelmingly positive feedback online – including from Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon – as men are finally being asked to consider their own behavior regarding male sexual rights.
Don’t Be That Guy has explained: “We want to reduce sexual violence. We want women to feel safe.
“Guys: We can make a real difference in our attitudes and behaviors, at home, at work, and by socializing with our peers.”
“SEXUAL VIOLENCE BEGINS MUCH EARLIER THAN YOU THINK”.
THIS NEW CAMPAIGN FROM @POLICESCOTLAND POWERFUL AND IMPORTANT. I WOULD ASK ALL MEN TO WATCH THIS MOVIE – AND THEN ENCOURAGE THEIR SONS, FATHERS, BROTHERS AND FRIENDS TO DO THE SAME. @THATGUYSCOTLANDHTTPS://T.CO/I5H7I8VOQX
— NICOLA STURGEON (@NICOLASTURGEON) 13 OCTOBER 2021
YES!! MORE THAN !!
IT’S A REAL PREVENTATIVE, SUSTAINABLE-FOCUSED MESSAGE AND I’M HERE FOR IT. HTTPS://T.CO/OETW3M47DH
— DR. JESSICA TAYLOR (@DRJESSTAYLOR) 14 OCTOBER 2021
Nice to see a campaign from @PoliceScotland about sexual violence that puts the focus on the only people responsible: the perpetrators.
Safety advice aimed at women won’t stop sexual violence, but changing men’s attitudes and behaviours can, so #DontBeThatGuyhttps://t.co/8qsUbw8elJ
— Rape Crisis Scotland (@rapecrisisscot) October 13, 2021
Finally, an initiative that aims to change how men – not women – behave. Very commendable!
