Trust’s hard-hitting film speaks out about violence against women

Prominent men across Derby’s sport, charity and cultural sectors have joined together to speak out about violence against women and girls in a new hard-hitting film put together by Derby County Community Trust.

‘Allies of Women’ is led by the trust, which is a key partner in the Safe Derby campaign alongside Derby City Council, specialist child exploitation charity Safe and Sound and Derby Community Action.

The overarching objective of the Safe Derby campaign, supported by Home Office funding, is to prevent, tackle and challenge violence against women and girls in public places and signal Derby’s zero tolerance towards, and promotion of a city free from, gender-based violence, abuse, harassment and exploitation.

DCCT has now produced a hard-hitting video, which was aired on the Pride Park screens at Derby County’s home game against Coventry on Saturday. It will be shown again at Derby County’s Women’s match against Nottingham Forest on Sunday 27th March.

Among the men featured in the film is Simon Carnall, head of DCCT and outreach worker Dan Henry.

Rams assistant manager Liam Rosenior and first team players Curtis Davies and Jason Knight also feature, as does Nick Britten, chair of Derby County Women.

Also appearing is Adam Buss, who has been leading Derby’s bid to be City of Culture 2025.

Together, they highlight the shocking national statistics and encourage men to speak out against harassment or threatening behaviour towards women.

Simon said: “Statistics surrounding violence against women and girls are frightening but we can all play our part to encourage behaviour change.

“Our aim by speaking out through Allies of Women is to make men and boys think twice about their own attitudes and behaviour but also to challenge and call out actions of others.”

Councillor Matthew Eyre, the city council’s cabinet member for place and community development, said: “In 2022 and beyond, it is crucial that all men are ‘Allies of Women’ and not only stand up to violence against women and girls, but also tackle and challenge the sexist comments, derogatory language, out-dated opinions and physical and online harassment that is so often how serious violence and exploitation begins and how abuse is perpetuated.

“We all need to think about our behaviour and our language and what the consequences of it, intended or unintended, can be.

“Everyone should feel safe in Derby – everyone should be safe in Derby. No one should be subject to gender-based violence, harassment, or abuse.

“This video, featuring prominent individuals from across the city, highlights the horrifying realities of violence against women and girls, but also exemplifies the role that men can play in eliminating this violence and abuse from our society. It is so important that everyone hears its messages.”

To watch the film, please click here.