How to Tackle the Rise of Misogyny Among Young Men
The rise of misogyny among young men is a deeply concerning issue. Harmful, and at times malicious, attitudes, often dismissed as “just banter”, are contributing to a culture where violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains disturbingly persistent and increasingly normalised. This isn’t just about words; it’s about actions and the wider harm inflicted on society. To be clear, misogyny among young people is not a minor issue or trivial social nuisance. Alarming Trends: Misogyny in Schools Misogynistic attitudes and behaviours are becoming increasingly normalised in schools. Teachers frequently report incidents of extreme sexist language, sexual harassment, and even violent bullying. According to the Ofsted Review of Sexual Abuse in Schools and Colleges (2021), 90% of girls have experienced unwanted sexual comments, touching, or sexist name-calling in school environments. This troubling normalisation was further exposed by Everyone’s Invited, which gathered more than 15,000 anonymous testimonies of sexual harassment and abuse in 2022. These accounts underscore a pervasive culture of misogyny that demands our attention and urgent action. Why Is Misogyny on the Rise? Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube amplify misogynistic ideologies. We can clearly see that so-called influencers promoting toxic masculinity, victim-blaming, and regressive gender roles are normalising harmful attitudes and therefore fueling the rise in mishogony. A Girlguiding report found that 71% of girls aged 11 to 21 believe sexism is widespread on social media, with 35% having experienced sexual harassment directly. Social media algorithms, designed to maximise engagement, often prioritise and amplify such content, making it difficult for young people to escape. This claim is supported by a study by University College London (UCL) and the University of Kent found that TikTok’s “For You” page showed a fourfold increase in misogynistic content over just five days, normalising harmful ideologies among young people. This amplification of extreme content by algorithms can lead to the spread and normalisation of misogynistic attitudes, contributing to further harm. However, misogyny in schools mirrors broader societal issues. In England and Wales, over 1.6 million women experience domestic abuse annually, and a woman is killed by a man every three days. High-profile figures in politics, policing, sports, and entertainment often engage in misogynistic behaviour without facing meaningful consequences. This sadly sends damaging messages to young people, normalising harmful attitudes as acceptable. Four Ways to Combat Misogyny Challenge the Opinion, Not the Person When addressing toxic views, avoid confrontations that may be perceived as personal attacks. Instead, encourage critical thinking with open-ended questions like: Where did you hear that? Do you reallybelieve the source is reliable? How do you think this viewpoint affects others? This approach promotes reflection without triggering defensiveness. Encourage Active Bystander Behaviour Empowering young people to safely challenge misogynistic behaviour can make a significant difference. Brook (formerly known as the Brook Advisory Service) provides a helpful framework, known as the 5 Ds: Direct: Confront the behaviour directly, e.g., “That’s not okay.” Distract: Change the topic or redirect attention. Delegate: Report the incident to a trusted adult, such as a teacher or parent. Delay: If immediate intervention feels unsafe, check on the affected person later. Disapprove: Use non-verbal cues, like walking away or showing disapproval, to convey your stance. Promote Positive Male Role Models It most certainly helps boys and young men to witness male role models engaging in acts of healthy, respectful behaviour. These examples, who evefr they might be, prove to them that kindness, empathy, and equality are true strengths. By seeing and following such positive role models, they are encouraged to challenge toxic stereotypes and instead embrace a more inclusive and empowering interpretation of masculinity. Educate Yourself and Others Understanding the influencers, trends, and narratives that shape young people’s views is crucial. To ensure that any discussions we have with them are meaningful and effective, we need to engage with them in environments where they feel comfortable and receptive to our efforts. A Call to Action and Commitment Reducing violence against women is both an urgent priority and a long-term commitment. Tackling misogyny, whether online or offline, is essential but most certainly not sufficient in order to end violence against women. We must address the needs of young boys and men who have been exposed to abuse or violence, breaking cycles that might otherwise lead to further harm. Equally, we must challenge entrenched patriarchal mindsets that perpetuate inequality and violence. Clear, enforceable laws are also vital. Police must investigate every act of violence against women thoroughly, and courts must impose sentences that reflect the severity of these crimes. Support to survivors of both physical and sexual violence and harassment must be easy accessible, genuine, without judgement, and unconditional. Building a society rooted in respect and equality is challenging but achievable. It requires urgency, focus, and decisive action, not just words. It is up to us to halt the rise of misogyny and, one day, put an end to it entirely. For women seeking to take proactive steps to improve their personal safety, my book, NEVER A VICTIM – The Definitive Guide to Women’s Safety, offers practical strategies, empowering advice, and a trauma-informed perspective. Otherwise, please consider checking out my “Top 10 Personal Safety Tips All Women Should Know.“
Steps Women Should Take When Feeling Threatened or Unsafe
You might find yourself asking, “What can I do to stay safe when feeling threatened and unsafe?” Feeling threatened or unsafe can be a highly uncomfortable and stressful experience that affects you mentally, emotionally, and physically. You may feel afraid, confused, angry, or even blame yourself for being in that situation. However, what counts is your response. You must take back control. Understanding the Nature of Threats Threats come in many forms, and understanding their nature is essential to responding effectively. Each type requires a different approach, but the ultimate objective remains the same: protecting yourself. Broadly, threats can be categorised as: Immediate Threats: Urgent, violent situations where your safety is at risk, such as someone directly confronting you. Non-Immediate Threats: Situations that feel less urgent but are equally harmful, like receiving threatening messages or being blackmailed. Staying Safe When Dealing with Immediate Threats When there is an immediate threat, meaning someone is threatening you with violence (with or without a weapon), your personal safety needs to be the number one concern. Here’s how to respond: Stay calm: I fully understand how difficult it is to remain calm, but it is crucial. Fear clouds judgment, so do what I believe is the most important thing in such a moment: take a deep breath, as that will help you to focus on thinking clearly about what exactly is going on. You want to understand the precise threat i.e. distance between you and the threat, weapons being present or not, bystanders who might be able/willing to help, possible escape routes, the physical actions you wish to take to neutralise the threat. Escape if possible: Quickly scan your surroundings. Look for exits or safe places. Leaving the area safely is always preferable to physical confrontation. De-escalate if necessary: If escape isn’t immediately possible, try to calm the situation. Speak in a calm, neutral tone, avoid making provocative statements, and set clear boundaries without being confrontational. Subject to the type of threat, the person’s motive and your relationship to him etc., this might work or not. Defend yourself if needed: As a last resort, protect yourself using a simple self-defence technique. In certain situations, this may involve a powerful and violent ‘hammer fist strike’ or a palm heel strike against the attacker’s neck or throat. If you are very close to your attacker use your teeth and viciously bite him in his face as hard as you can, or grind yor thumb into one of his eyes. You might also aim to break one of your assailant’s fingers or other fragile bones. Defend yourself with any means necessary, using all the energy, force, and power you can summon. Avoid responding with a half-hearted defence. Trust your instincts and act decisively. For a comprehensive list of non-lethal and self-defence techniques, refer to my book NEVER A VICTIM. Document the incident: Once safe, record as much information as possible. This should include details about the individual, the location, any potential injuries sustained, and a clear account of what occurred. This will be invaluable when reporting the incident. Report to authorities: Call the police right away. If you believe you are in grave danger, make this clear and share all the evidence and information you have been able to memorise or compile. Staying Safe When Handling Non-Immediate Threats Non-immediate threats, though less urgent, can be just as troubling. These could include threatening messages, harassment, or blackmail. Here’s how to approach these situations: Assess credibility: Is the threat realistic? Does the person have the ability and intent to follow through? When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and treat it as credible. Document everything: Save emails, texts, social media posts, and other forms of communication. Screenshots and written notes can provide critical evidence. Inform people you trust: Let a friend, family member, or colleague know what is happening. You do not have to face this by yourself. Direct communication (if safe): If you know who is making the threat and it’s safe for you to do so, consider talking to the person about the issue. Ideally, have the conversation in a public place and ensure another person is nearby for added safety. Sometimes, open communication can help resolve a misunderstanding. Engage the police: Threats, even indirect ones, are considered illegal. Consider calling the police, as it yet another step toward protecting yourself. Stay Aware and Alert The environment will play a critical role in your safety when a threatening situation arises. Know your environment: Are there any exits? Are there CCTV installed? Can onlookers or passers-by help you? Seek public spaces: If you feel unsafe, move to well-lit, populated areas. Public visibility often deters aggressors. Engage bystanders: Don’t hesitate to ask others for help. Most people are willing to assist when they see someone in distress, but please communicate your need for help clearly, and tell any bystander what you would like them to do. Taking Action After the Incident Once the immediate danger has passed, focus on protecting yourself from further harm and processing the experience: Know your legal protection options: These may include actions such as filing for protective orders or pressing charges against perpetrators. Seek emotional support: Do not underestimate the emotional impact and trauma of a threat or violence. Confide in friends, family, or other support groups, and talk to a mental health expert if necessary. Coping with Blackmail or Manipulation Blackmail is a non-violent threat that may lead to feelings of extreme distress. Remain calm: Never make a rash decision; instead, take some time to reflect on your next move, and discuss the matter with others your trust. Don’t give in: Only comply if that is the safest thing for you to do. Consider other ways out, like taking legal advice, consulting an expert in this field, or going to the police first. Document and report: Gather evidence and bring it to the police’s attention. Blackmail is against the law, and you don’t have to put
Top 10 Personal Safety Tips All Women Should Know
Women’s safety hinges on vigilance. From physical threats and manipulative tactics used by perpetrators to technology-enabled abuse—often targeting women—being informed and proactive is crucial for all. The following personal safety tips for women are rooted in practical advice, trauma-informed principles, and a mission to empower women with confidence and security in all aspects of life. Personal Safety Tips for Women Trust Your Instincts – Your intuition is a powerful defence mechanism. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Trust that inner voice, no matter how inconvenient or illogical it may seem at times. Intuition helps you recognise dangerous situations—whether it’s a suspicious stranger, an unsafe location, or a familiar person behaving unpredictably. Social conditioning, particularly in patriarchal societies, often teaches women to suppress their instincts. Break free from this expectation and listen to yourself. Stay Attentive to Your Environment – Awareness is a highly effective way to stay safe. Keep your head up, remain alert, and limit distractions such as excessive phone use. Observe your surroundings, sharpen your senses, note exits, and be aware of who is nearby and their behaviour. Knowing potential safe spaces is lso especially important when travelling alone or in unfamiliar locations. Learn Self-Defence – Understanding how to effectively protect yourself in high-stress, real-life situations can be life-saving. Enrol in a reputable class taught by instructors with real-life experience, such as former police officers, prison staff, or military hand-to-hand combat instructors. Learning how to incapacitate an attacker through simple and easy to remember techniques not only boosts your confidence but equips you to act effectively and instictivly if threatened. Use Technology for Your Safety – Leverage technology to enhance your safety. Apps like Hollie Guard, bSafe, WalkSafe+, or Life360 allow you to share your location, alert trusted contacts, and send distress signals. Always keep your phone charged and carry a small portable power bank for emergencies whenever possible. Be Aware of Technology-Enabled Abuse – The rise of AI has introduced new risks, including deepfake technology used to create AI-generated explicit content. Safeguard your digital identity with strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and caution when sharing personal information or images online. Regularly monitor your digital footprint and report any suspected misuse to platforms or authorities promptly. I will be writing a more in-depth article on this specific subject in the next 30 days, so please visit my website again soon. Own Your Boundaries – Clearly communicating your boundaries can deter potential threats. Whether someone is invading your personal space or pressuring you to step outside your comfort zone, practise saying “no” firmly and without hesitation. Reinforce this with assertive body language and maintain eye contact. You have the right to defend your boundaries, and you should trust your innate ability to protect yourself. Plan Routes in Advance – When heading out, especially at night, plan your route ahead of time. Opt for well-lit, busy areas, and share your itinerary with someone you trust. When using public transport, sit near the driver or in populated sections. Carry one of those deafening personal alarms or whistles for added security and use reliable safety apps to stay connected. Also, stay in touch with loved ones when out and about and keep them up-to-date of your movements and plans. Stay Vigilant Against Spiking and Drug-Facilitated Assault – Drink spiking and even needle spiking remains a significant threat. Never leave your drink unattended, and if you suspect tampering, do not consume it. Use protective tools like drink covers or bottle stoppers when socialising and look out for friends who may be at risk. If something feels wrong, seek assistance from bar staff or security personnel immediately. Trust your intuition. Understand the Power of Non-Verbal Communication – Body language conveys powerful messages. Walking confidently, maintaining eye contact, and appearing alert can make you less appealing to predators. Predators often target individuals who seem distracted, unsure of themselves, or vulnerable. A strong, composed demeanour can act as a powerful deterrent. Know Where to Go for Help – Understanding your support options is essential. Familiarise yourself with local support organisations, emergency services, and helplines. In urgent situations, call emergency services immediately or contact a trusted person who can assist you. Being aware of available resources can be life-saving in critical moments. Specific Advice for Women Navigating Emerging Tech Threats Technology, particularly AI, has opened new avenues for exploitation. AI-generated revenge porn and non-consensual deepfake imagery can portray individuals in compromising situations, often for harassment or blackmail. Steps to Protect Yourself: Limit Online Sharing: Be cautious about the photos and personal information you share on social media or with others. Even sharing intimate images with a trusted partner or friend could lead to future misuse if relationships turn sour. Audit Your Digital Footprint: Regularly search your name and images online to detect potential misuse. Report Abuse Immediately: Most platforms have mechanisms for reporting non-consensual content. Take swift action to have such material removed. Seek Legal Support: Familiarise yourself with laws such as the UK’s Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015, which criminalises revenge porn. Stay Informed: Keep up to date with emerging threats and strategies to mitigate risks. For specific technology-based concerns, seek advice from IT experts or experienced professionals. As previously mentioned, I will be writing a more in-depth article on this specific subject in the next 30 days, so please visit my website again soon. Empowering Women Through Awareness and Action Personal safety tips for women must extend beyond physical preparedness; they must encompass aspects of emotional, psychological, and digital readiness. By staying informed, vigilant, and resourceful, you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of violence or exploitation. Personal safety is not about living in fear but rather about taking effective steps to live with confidence and security. These tips provide a solid foundation for staying in control, whether navigating daily routines or entering new environments. If you feel it is unfair that women must remain vigilant, cautious, and concerned at all times—limiting what, when, and how they live their lives—I wholeheartedly