When will we matter? 

Charlotte Archibald wrote this as a post on social media, and I felt it needed a permanent place on the internet. Thank you for sharing. 

Follow Charl @charl_archie_

 

When will we matter? 

 

It’s completely  justified to feel frustrated and powerless in the face of relentless male violence.

 

And it shouldn’t be down to us to make men actually comment publicly about this or show any kind of allyship, nor should it be down to us to make those in charge in the UK care about women and girls, but here we are.

 

So if you’re looking for some constructive outlets today and beyond, here are a few initial suggestions. 

 

Write to your elected reps and tell them streetlights, extra police and tougher sentences aren’t making you any safer, and that they should be investing in intersectional strategic prevention models (of which the women’s sector has plenty that could be invested in and rolled out).

 

Talk to your kids about consent and respect, regularly. Challenge toxic masculinity that your kids might be exposed to: boys-only sports clubs, hyper-gendered toys and clothes and toxic language like ‘man-up’ ‘dresses are for girls’ etc etc. 

 

Donate, if you are in a position to do so. Here are just a few of the orgs you can support: 

@reclaimthesestreets 

@bawso 

@galopuk 

@imkaan 

@rightsofwomen1975 

@sistahspace_ 

@welshwomensaid 

@rapecrisisscot 

 

And there are so many more incredible orgs and grassroots campaigns to donate to.

 

And if you’re in Wales, support your local refuge:

 

Aberconwy Domestic Abuse Services

Atal Y Fro - Barry 

Calan DVS

Calan DVS - Brecon Office

Calan DVS – Bridgend Office

Calan DVS – Ammanford Office

Calan DVS - Neath Office

Cardiff Women’s Aid

Carmarthen Domestic Abuse Services

Cyfannol Women’s Aid

Cyfannol - Abergavenny

Cyfannol Women’s Aid - The Chrysalis Centre

Clwyd Alyn Housing Association (CAHA) Women's Aid

Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU)

Thrive Women's Aid

RASASC North Wales

Safer Merthyr Tydfil

Safer Wales

Stepping Stones North Wales

Swansea Women’s Aid

Threshold

West Wales Domestic Abuse Services

West Wales Domestic Abuse Service - Cardigan

Women's Aid RCT 

 

And take care of yourself - all of this is upsetting and it takes it’s toll. Switch off from socials, spend time with people who make you feel good, rest, breathe.

 

For support 24/7 in Wales, call Live Fear Free on: 0808 80 10 800.