A personal blog by Rosie Watson, White Ribbon Champion and Head of External Relations at the Domestic Abuse Alliance.
Each year, White Ribbon Day calls on all of us to confront one of the most pervasive and devastating issues in our society: male violence against women and girls. It’s a day to reflect, to challenge and to act. This year’s theme – #WeSpeakUp – could not be more timely or more vital.
At the Domestic Abuse (DA) Alliance we know that speaking up can mean the difference between silence and safety. We see it every day through the eyes of survivors who find the courage to tell their story and in the professionals and communities who choose to listen, believe, and act.
We know that speaking up isn’t always easy. It requires bravery, compassion, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. It means challenging harmful behaviours, dismantling stigma, and creating environments where survivors feel safe to disclose abuse and seek help.
Why #WeSpeakUp Matters on White Ribbon Day and Every Day
The #WeSpeakUp campaign is about more than just raising awareness – it’s about changing culture. It’s about encouraging men and boys to speak out against misogyny, harassment and violence. It’s about empowering women and girls to share their experiences without fear of judgment or reprisal. Importantly, it’s also about ensuring that when someone does speak up, they are met with support not silence.
Too often, survivors are silenced- by fear, shame, or systems that fail to protect them. This was Sarah’s* experience when she struggled to access support and protection as a Deaf survivor. Too often, those around survivors remain silent too, unsure of what to say or afraid of saying the wrong thing. Silence enables abuse. It allows harmful behaviours to go unchecked and sends a message that violence is tolerated.
Speaking up is a powerful act of resistance. It says: “I see you. I believe you. You are not alone.”
The Role of Domestic Abuse (DA) Alliance and WEPROTECT
At the DA Alliance, our mission is to make speaking up safer, easier, and more effective. We work across sectors – with police, healthcare services, housing, and other specialist domestic abuse support organisations – to ensure that survivors can access the help they need, when they need it.
Our WEPROTECT referral service is designed to streamline the process of accessing legal protection. It enables professionals to make secure, rapid referrals for emergency protection orders, ensuring that survivors are safeguarded without delay. WEPROTECT is a practical tool that turns speaking up into action and action into safety.
We also provide training and resources to help professionals recognise the signs of abuse, respond appropriately and support survivors with compassion and care. Because speaking up isn’t just about disclosure, it’s about what happens next.
We know that many survivors don’t speak up because they fear they won’t be believed, or that nothing will change. That’s why our work focuses on building trust and ensuring that every disclosure is met with meaningful, effective support.
Creating a Culture of Courage
Supporting #WeSpeakUp means creating a culture where speaking up is not only accepted but expected. It means:
- Listening without judgment
- Believing survivors
- Calling out harmful behaviour
- Creating safe spaces for disclosure
- Advocating for better systems and support
It also means recognising that everyone has a role to play. Whether you’re a friend, a colleague, a neighbour, or a professional, your response matters. A simple “I’m here for you” can be the first step toward safety and healing.
For men and boys, speaking up means challenging the attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate violence. It means refusing to stay silent in the face of misogyny and modelling respect, empathy and accountability.
Real Stories, Real Impact
We’ve seen first-hand the impact of speaking up. Survivors who were trapped in cycles of abuse have found freedom because someone listened. Families have been protected because a professional made a referral.
Thank you so much for all your help, you have been truly amazing and supportive throughout…from the bottom of my heart. It’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do and you’ve helped me through everything all the way…you are truly amazing at what you do. I couldn’t ever thank you enough. Survivor, Greater Manchester
These stories remind us why our work matters and why campaigns like #WeSpeakUp are so important. They shine a light on the courage of survivors and the power of collective action.
Looking Ahead
White Ribbon Day is a moment but the movement must continue every day. At the DA Alliance we remain committed to building a future where speaking up is met with action, where survivors are supported and where violence is no longer tolerated.
Please join us. Speak up in your workplace, your community and your family:
- Share the White Ribbon Day #WeSpeakUp message and support our White Ribbon Day 2025 fundraiser #SayItSignIt.
- Wear a White Ribbon and speak about what it means to you, with your family, friends and colleagues, and encourage them to do the same: Shop — White Ribbon UK
- Encourage your colleagues, friends and family to become White Ribbon Ambassadors or Champions here: Ambassadors and Champions — White Ribbon UK
Help us build a society where everyone feels safe, heard and valued. When we speak up, we stand up – for justice, for dignity and for change.
