CAMPAIGNS
What we’re working on right now
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Words Matter
The language we use makes a massive difference to the way we think. Words Matter is a policy we have created to change the language used by the UK police and media when handling and reporting sexual offences. Once this policy is implemented nationwide, it will help change public opinion and behaviour through ending victim blaming and misogyny.
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#allmen
Misogyny and sexual violence are not women’s issues. They are men’s issues. This is about male violence against women and girls and those who identify as women and girls. #allmen invites men to talk about how the patriarchy affects them, their wellbeing, and how it ultimately, affects male behaviour towards women and girls. The next wave of feminism must involve men.
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Police misogyny
Since Wayne Couzens raped and murdered Sarah Everard on 3 March 2021, there have been multiple reviews and reports into the real crisis of misogyny within the UK police force. Having yet another review with no legal requirement for the police to see it through will not change anything. We’re lobbying government to implement statutory (legal) police obligations to end misogyny within the force.
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How do I report this
The way universities handle reports of sexual violence is appalling. We’re lobbying for a mandatory standardised process for all UK universities to use when handling reports of rape and other sexual offences. We’re consulting with students and professionals UK-wide and will meet with the Department for Education to implement this vital and long-awaited change.
What we have achieved so far
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In September 2022, we staged a vibrant and well-attended protest march in Stroud against sexual violence, with over 400 people attending and speeches from big names in gender equality work. This protest was the launch pad to formally creating This Ends Now in October 2022 as an official not-for-profit.
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We conceived and created the first-ever police constabulary ‘Words Matter’ policy, guiding the language used around sexual assault, to end victim blaming and change public opinion and behaviour. The policy will be launched with Gloucestershire Constabulary in September 2023 and become a national police policy in March 2024.
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We have been mentioned in parliamentary discussions about sexual violence
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We have collaborated with key national feminist campaigners and charity groups, including Led By Donkeys and the Schools Consent Project.
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We are working with Alastair Stenner, Detective Superintendent of Professional Standards, Force Vetting and Public Feedback Team of Gloucestershire Constabulary to discuss police misogyny and how This Ends Now can play a chief role in national police reform.
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We instigated the change of Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) policy to be called Male Violence Against Women and Girls (MVAWG)
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In November 2022, we staged the first UK-resident-organised vigil for Iranian women and protesters
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We supported and protested with the Stroud Reclaim The Night march in November 2022, with our co-founder, Sydney-Anne McAllister, invited as a keynote speaker.