Flourish - Latest Edition - Flipbook - Page 43
The role that men and
boys play in genderbased violence
White Ribbon Day 2025 - It
starts with me. It starts
with men.
Supporting your
colleagues in the
workplace
How to approach a
colleague
While all men are not violent, statistics do show
that most violence perpetrated against women is
by men. Therefore, for change to occur, men
need to be actively involved in the solution. Such
change requires harmful masculine norms and
behaviours that contribute to a culture of
violence to be challenged. This is where men can
hold other men accountable for inappropriate
behaviour, support gender equality, and promote
positive change, from which we can all benefit.
For women experiencing violence at home,
getting support from their workplace can be very
helpful. However, supporting a female staff
member who is experiencing violence at home
requires a sensitive, supportive approach. For
example, many women experiencing violence at
home may be shocked to be in that situation, and
they may feel shame or embarrassment for
somehow being in that position.
Anyone experiencing violence at home is aware
of their situation. They know what actions and
behaviours can help keep them safe or put them
in danger from the violent person in their lives. It
may be tempting to encourage a victim of
violence to end the relationship; however, this
could create more risk for the person or be too
big a step to contemplate without adequate
resources in place. So, if a colleague advises they
cannot safely end the relationship, respect their
decision.
As a work colleague, you can make a difference
by opening the conversation using a nonjudgemental, empathic approach that sees the
woman as the expert in her life.
