You’re Right, That’s Wrong campaign extended

A campaign which calls on men to help make our communities a safer place for women is being extended – to promote the message further across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

You’re Right, That’s Wrong, which was launched in 2022, encourages men to call out negative attitudes and behaviours amongst peers when they witness acts of misogyny and public place harassment towards women. 

Following the success of the campaign so far; You’re Right, That’s Wrong is now being extended further across the county with Leicester Hinckley Road Football Club being among those to help us further share the campaign's message.

The campaign, delivered by behaviour change experts Hitch Marketing Ltd, wants men to be part of the solution to the problem and to provide men with the skills, knowledge and confidence to be active bystanders. The campaign features a series of strong messages to reassure men that behaviour they may witness is wrong and provides them with the tools to understand how and when to act.

It aims to increase awareness of shared values held by men, bystander actions, the likelihood to act and understanding of negative attitudes and behaviour.

Social media activity used in the campaign shows players from the football club having ‘the conversation’ to build empathy, to show it’s not difficult and the difference it can make. It will be available on social media platforms including Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and YouTube.

The campaign encourages active bystanders to take one of three actions:

• Be Direct – if it’s safe to do so, speak up, tell the perpetrator their behaviour isn’t ok.
• Get Help – from other friends, the police, security guards, bar staff etc. This can be before or after the incident.
• Distract – do something to change the situation to get the perpetrator and victim away from each other. When it’s safe to do so, follow up with a conversation.

Phase two wants to engage men outside of the city centre and focus on county areas. As well as changes to the location, the age for the target audience has also raised from 30 to 40.

The campaign, commissioned by Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews, Leicestershire Police and Leicestershire’s Violence Reduction Network (VRN) with support from Leicester City Council, encourages men to reject unacceptable behaviour towards women.

Other campaign partners include Leicester City in the Community, DeMontfort University, Loughborough University, the University of Leicester, and local authorities.

Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr said: “I am really proud that Leicestershire Police are involved in this cutting-edge campaign.

“We would like to thank the Hinckley Leicester Road Football Club for taking part in You’re Right, That’s Wrong and for being positive role models to not only to their team-mates but also to others.

“The answers they gave were completely unprompted and are their genuine thoughts and opinions.

“Leicestershire Police will always support victims of sexist or misogynistic behaviour. If you see it or if it is happening to you please report it to us.”

Grace Strong, T/Head of Prevention, Leicestershire Police and Director, The Violence Reduction Network said: “You’re Right, That’s Wrong supports men to make a stand against unacceptable behaviours and empowers them to be part of the solution. It’s important they know how to have these, sometimes difficult, conversations with their friends. This campaign provides resources to do that.

“Men are asked to be allies, and good friends by being active bystanders, challenging behaviours they disagree with and playing critical roles in improving how safe women and girls feel in public places.”

Detective Superintendent Chris Baker, who is the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) lead for the force said: ““Staying silent when a friend disrespects a woman or girl isn’t OK. Doing nothing gives approval to his behaviour and normalises it for him and others who might be around. To the victim you may be seen as part of the problem. Calling out sexism and misogyny doesn’t have to be confrontational. If he’s truly your friend, he’ll listen because you’re doing him a favour.

“Speaking up makes you a better friend and sends a clear signal to him and others that sexism and misogyny are wrong and have no place anywhere - in public, private or online. Doing the right thing is really about being a good mate which is the crux of the You’re Right, That’s Wrong campaign which I’m in full support of.”

Mr Matthews said: “I’m delighted to launch the second phase of this hugely successful campaign.  From the outset, You’re Right, That’s Wrong hit a nerve with audiences with its frank and straight-talking style. We need men as allies in addressing the attitudes which underpin violence and this campaign succeeds very powerfully, demanding attention in the places where women are often on the receiving end of unacceptable behaviour.

“Violence and misogyny have absolutely no place in society and I hope the compelling media images linked to this campaign remind everyone of our collective duty to ensure women are treated equally and with respect. When behaviour clearly falls short of these standards, even amongst our friends, we must find the courage to speak up and call it out."

To see more information about the campaign please visit: thatswrong.co.uk