Almost 80% of women reported feeling unsafe when out in public spaces across Cambridgeshire.*

This is the harsh reality women and girls face daily.

The ‘KNOW Violence Against Women’ campaign aims to end violence against women and girls across Cambridgeshire and beyond. We want men and boys to be able to identify misogynistic, harassing and violent behaviour and call it out.

Together, we can work to create safer places for women.

Have you ever catcalled someone? Perhaps told a woman her ideas were ‘surprisingly good’? Kissed someone in a nightclub without their explicit consent? This is not okay. It is not harmless and will not be tolerated. Take a look at our video, which explores misogynistic comments, harassment behaviour, and sexual violence. Violence against women is always wrong

Time to take action

It’s not easy to admit when you’ve crossed a line or taken things too far. Maybe you haven’t realised that your – or your mate’s - behaviour is wrong and harmful to women.

Violence against women takes many forms - from catcalling in the street to groping women in the club. This behaviour is never OK. Many people don’t realise that this kind of behaviour is classed as violence, but identifying this is the first step towards making a change.

It’s time we all play our part in helping end violence against women. Find out how you can really make a difference in Cambridgeshire and download our top tips below.

KNOW Misogyny

[mi-soj-uh-nee]

Definition of misogyny: Feelings of hating women, or the belief that men are much better than women.

Illustration of an open hand, representing 'no' to misogyny. Quote below image reads: "You're smart for a woman", showing an example of a misogynistic statement.

  1. Tip 1: Don't use pet names or be over familiar with women you don't know. Call her by her name unless she says otherwise.
  2. Tip 2: Telling your date she's 'smart for a woman' is not a compliment. Try: "You're so interesting to speak to" instead.
  3. Tip 3: Asking questions about how many people she's slept with or her personal sex life is not flirting – it's inappropriate. Just don't ask.
"KNOW what misogyny is. Help create a safer space for women in Cambridgeshire."

Includes the KNOW Misogyny logo

Includes the KNOW Violence Against Women logo

KNOW Harassment

Definition of harassment: Unwanted or offensive sexual attention, suggestions or talk.

Two illustrations, one of an open hand, representing 'no' to harassment. The other image shows a bum being pinched.

  1. Tip 1: Don't cat-call or wolf whistle to women in the street – just let them be.
  2. Tip 2: If you are walking at night, and you spot a woman alone, don't walk too close. Cross the street. Your presence is probably threatening to her, whether you're alone or with your mates.
  3. Tip 3: If she tells you she's not interested in a date, don't bombard her with messages. Leave it and move on.
"KNOW what harassment is. Help create a safer space for women in Cambridgeshire."

Includes the KNOW Harassment logo

Includes the KNOW Violence Against Women logo

KNOW Sexual Violence

Definition of sexual violence: The action or an act of forcing an unconsenting person to engage in sexual activity.

Two illustrations, one of an open hand, representing 'no' to sexual violence. The other image shows a hand grappling another person's wrist in a forceful way.

  1. Tip 1: You've paid for the date and think you're entitled to a kiss? Just because you offered to pay, it doesn't mean she wants snog. Ask if you can kiss her before making the move.
  2. Tip 2: If you spot your mates grinding against a girl and she's looking uncomfortable, pull him away and tell him it's not OK.
  3. Tip 3: Don't expect sex just because she's invited you back to hers. If she's not up for it, it's rape. Always ask for consent.
"KNOW what sexual violence is. Help create a safer space for women in Cambridgeshire."

Includes the KNOW Harassment logo

Includes the KNOW Violence Against Women logo