Blog | Red Dot Foundation Global

Tag: preventing abuse

  • Creating Safer Cities: How the Greater Manchester Police is Using Safecity Data to Help End Gender-Based Violence

    When it comes to gender-based violence (GBV), the places we move through every day—our streets, buses, parks, and campuses—can have a significant impact on our views of safety. And for many students, these public spaces are not always as safe as they should. 

    Led by Red Dot Foundation Global in partnership with Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Victim Services, and Resist Rape Culture at UMSU, this initiative is focused on understanding and addressing gendered violence by combining data, community voices, and institutional change. In this blog, we’ll explore:

    • Why Public Safety is important in conversations about GBV. 
    • How the Safer Cities Project is using community voices to drive change. 
    • Why your experience matters & how you can be part of the solution.

    Why Public Safety Is a Gender Issue
    For many people, the risk of harassment or assault extends outside their homes and workplaces. It’s in ordinary, everyday places they travel through: a dark road after class, a busy bus station, or a walk home from a friend’s. 

    Gender-based violence (GBV) in public places often goes unreported, and when it does get noticed, it’s not always taken seriously. That lack of visibility can leave the person feeling unheard, allowing damaging patterns to continue. That’s why it is not only important to raise awareness about GBV, but also to actively track where it happens, who it affects, and how communities can prevent it from happening in the future.

    Share Incident Anonymously

    What Is this Initiative About?
    The Safer Cities Project aims to study gender-based violence patterns in Greater Manchester’s public areas, particularly among student communities. Through social audits and anonymous crowdsourced data, we are identifying areas where people feel unsafe and fostering community conversations about trust, access, and protection.

    The key goals?

    • Understand the patterns of harassment, assault, and underreporting.
    • Identify areas where public safety is an issue.
    • Increase transparency and trust between local communities and the police.
    • Use data to support evidence-based policing and community-driven solutions.

    This is more than just mapping crime; it is about promoting change through awareness, accountability, and action.

    What Makes This Approach Different?
    Traditional responses to GBV are often seen after the incident has occurred. However, the safer cities project is taking a different approach, emphasizing prevention, engagement, and collaboration. By involving students, local residents, and institutions in a meaningful way, this approach is helping people actively develop solutions rather than simply reporting harassment.

    It’s also worth mentioning that crowdsourced data—such as polls and community reports—can be extremely powerful. It contributes to a more accurate depiction of the realities that people confront on the ground, beyond official statistics.

    Why Your Voice Matters?
    If you’re a student, a resident, or just passing through Greater Manchester, your experiences count. Whether you’ve felt uncomfortable walking home, been harassed on public transportation, or simply seen an area with insufficient lighting or security, your observations can help protect others.

    Every story shared helps us get closer to:

    • Understanding which spaces require change. 
    • Assisting law enforcement to make better, more informed decisions.
    • Creating cities where everyone, regardless of gender, can feel safe.

    How You Can Help Create Safer Cities?
    We’re all part of this city. And everyone has a role to play in making it safer. Here’s how you can get involved:

    1. Take the Survey: Share your experience to help build a body of facts that can guide real-world action.
    2. Spread the Word: Inform your peers, classmates, and neighbors about the project, especially those who may feel unheard.
    3. Engage with Local Initiatives: Look for student clubs or community events that promote gender equality and safety.

    Also, please take a moment to learn more about our project partners, such as Greater Manchester Police and Victim Services, who are actively trying to bridge the gap between the public and institutions.

    Ready to Make Greater Manchester Safer?
    Real change happens when people come together. Whether you’re sharing your experience or urging others to speak up, your participation is critical to creating a safer, more inclusive community.

    Download the SafecityApp to:

    • Anonymously report incidents
    • Connect with nearby support services
    • Access safety tips and legal resources
    Download on Android
    Download on IOS
  • What Can Men and Boys Do to End GBV?

    What Can Men and Boys Do to End GBV?

    While gender-based violence (GBV) affects people of all genders, the truth is that it often stems from negative, harmful norms. Whether it is through physical aggression or casual control, many of the behaviors we are discussing are taught to children (especially boys) from a young age, encouraging them to ignore or accept whatever is happening. 

    But the good news is that change is possible. And it starts with men and boys taking charge and challenging societal norms. In this blog we’ll break down:

    • How Gender-based violence is fueled by toxic masculinity. 
    • What men can do to be real allies. 
    • Initiatives supporting men in the fight against violence. 

    So, What Is Toxic Masculinity—and Why Does It Matter?

    Let’s be clear: the issue is not masculinity per se. The harmful standards surrounding what it means to “be a man”—such as “boys don’t cry,” “be the boss,” or “never show your weakness”—are known as toxic masculinity. These beliefs have the potential to seriously hurt both the men who hold them and others. Here are some examples of how it manifests:

    • Entitlement: The idea that men ought to have authority over women’s time, bodies, or decisions. That kind of thinking can fuel everything from unwanted comments to domestic violence. 
    • Bottled-up Emotions: A lot of boys learn to suppress their feelings as they grow up. And when feelings like sadness or insecurity are buried, they can come out as anger or aggression later on. 
    • Power Imbalance: In some places, men are expected to lead while women are expected to follow. These dynamics can create relationships where control and even abuse become normalized. 

    Not only does toxic masculinity harm women and marginalized people—it also limits men from challenging it. 

    How Can Men Be Part of the Solution?

    Being an ally isn’t about having all the answers. It all comes down to being honest, taking accountability, and making sure your behavior reflects the kind of world you want to live in. Here’s where to begin:

    1. Call Out: Make sure you don’t let street harassment or sexist jokes slide away, even if they are said by a friend, as it can have a significant impact on someone else. 
    2. Listen to Survivors: When someone shares their experience, your job isn’t to question it—it’s to listen. That alone is powerful, and sometimes more than enough. 
    3. Talk to Other Men: Honest discussions with friends, brothers, and colleagues are where real talk begins. This shows how different opinions form and what can be changed to make it better. 
    4. Encourage Women-led Movements: Supporting individuals who are directly impacted is another aspect of being an ally. It entails supporting their causes, elevating their voices, and standing by them. 

    Every action matters—from having a conversation to just making a better choice in the moment. Everything adds up. 

    Share Incident Anonymously

    Initiatives That Help Men Make a Difference

    Across the world, an increasing number of programs are helping men step into their role as change-makers when it comes to fighting and eradicating GBV. Workshops and initiatives at school ensure that these sessions educate young men about consent, gender equality, and healthy relationships before their actions become habits. 

    Likewise, digital resources can come in handy when dealing with such situations. From videos to conversation guides, there’s a growing collection of tools designed specifically to help men get more involved in meaningful ways. Apps like Safecity also allows their users to get access to resources for support and find information on how to be an active ally. 

    FAQ

    Can men be survivors of GBV too?

    Yes—GBV can affect anyone, regardless of gender. Every survivor deserves to be heard and supported.

    Does it really make a difference to call out a friend?

    It does. Peer influence is powerful. One voice can spark change in someone else’s mindset or behavior.

    Do I need to be an expert to get involved?

    Not at all. Just being willing to learn, listen, and grow is enough to make a difference.

    Ready to Take That First Step?

    Ending Gender-based violence means building a more respectful, fair, and compassionate world. A world where one doesn’t get discriminated against because of their gender or sexuality and a place where men and boys play a vital part in combating violence. 

    Download the SafecityApp to:

    • Anonymously report GBV in your area.
    • Access resources for allies.
    • Support women is their drive for change. 
    Download on Android
    Download on IOS