New anti-sexual violence campaign launched by Police Scotland

Men are being challenged to be a mate, to step in and put a stop to behaviour that might put their friends at risk of sexual offending.

Last year, Police Scotland’s viral THAT Guy campaign challenged men’s attitudes and behaviour towards women. It put the cause of sexual offending where it belongs – with men.

This year’s campaign, launched this week, urges men to be the solution to preventing sexual offending by having those difficult conversations with a friend who may have crossed the line.

Launching the campaign, Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, Police Scotland, said: “Last year’s campaign asked men to reflect on their own behaviours and attitudes – and those of their friends, family and colleagues – towards women, to prevent rape, sexual assault and harassment.

“We held up the mirror to harassing and abusive behaviours that impact on women. Now we are focusing on a solution.

“Our new campaign is about what men can do. It asks them to think about the impact their friend’s behaviour has on women, and to step in, to be that friend.

"Be the mate who takes a friend aside, and has that quiet word. It’s about stopping a friend doing something they will regret.

“Of course not all men go on to offend but all men have a responsibility and a role to play in ending sexual violence against women and girls.

“This isn’t about shaming. We are asking men to be a mate, look out for your friends, to join the conversation and to stop sexual offending before it starts.”

THAT Guy builds on previous Police Scotland sexual crime prevention campaigns, targeting men aged 18-35 years who are most likely to commit sexual offences.

Its aim is to urge men to take responsibility for their actions and language to help effect a culture change to tackle sexual crime against women.

The campaign features a new advert which will run on several online platforms, including social media.