Over the last couple of weeks there has been an extraordinary debate in the media and online about the power of words to influence violence against women, following comments made by Collingwood President Eddie McGuire about Fairfax journalist Caroline Wilson.

This discussion highlighted the fact that words indeed have the power to perpetuate a culture of disrespect. As Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said: “Not all disrespecting women ends up in violence against women. But that is where all violence against women begins.”

The comments made by McGuire and others are symptomatic of a masculine culture that normalises the attitudes and behaviours promoting the disrespect of women, and at the most pointy end results in violence against women.

That is why White Ribbon is focused on changing the script that allows men to disrespect, excuse and minimise violence against women. White Ribbon focuses on stopping the violence before it occurs. Stopping the violence is essential and the more successful primary prevention is, the less demand there will be for front line services. We work towards a society that exemplifies gender equality free from men’s violence against women.

A column by Nina Funnell in RendezView last week inaccurately portrayed the work of White Ribbon, including the depiction of White Ribbon as a fundraising club that provided no benefit to women experiencing violence. Unfortunately her article missed the point of White Ribbon, that the organisation is targeting primary prevention and not the provision of tertiary services like a women’s refuge. Our remit is to stop the violence at the source and the source is men.

At White Ribbon men are active advocates for changing the social norms at the core of men’s abuse of women. Our Ambassadors speak out to address sexism and lack of respect. They recognise the importance of men being accountable and playing an active role alongside women in preventing men’s violence against women. The inclusion of a former perpetrator in the program will even be considered if he speaks from a position of reform and rehabilitation. The message from such a place can be powerful when directed to men, especially those who continue to perpetrate violence against women.

Our core distinctiveness is that we use men to target men. We work to have men take responsibility for violence against women given that the majority of violence is perpetrated by men. By getting men to recognise their own behaviour, encouraging them to speak out, pull other men up on their language and attitudes it makes it harder for perpetrators to not be seen. White Ribbon Ambassadors are vetted, trained and accountable.

We have programs that make other tangible contributions too. White Ribbon Workplaces are part of the award winning accreditation program that has reached half a million Australian employees and helps to create safer, equal and more respectful workplaces, including those in traditionally male-dominated industries.

media_camera An Australian school commemorates White Ribbon Day last year. (Pic: Supplied)

White Ribbon’s ‘Breaking the Silence’ Schools Program introduces models of respectful relationships into the school curriculum, policy and culture, giving staff and students an understanding of gender stereotyping and harmful behaviours.

While this work is core it is also supported by White Ribbon’s advocacy that calls for policy reform and better resourcing of services to support those who experience domestic violence.

Our social change primary prevention work is multifaceted and based on sound research, best practice and independent evaluation. The more successful our primary prevention, the less strain on services.

Libby Davies is the CEO of White Ribbon Australia.