Safeguarding Central
Spotlight on Misogyny
Misogyny is not just offensive—it’s dangerous. As safeguarding practitioners, educators, parents, and community members, it’s vital to educate early, embed respect, and challenge toxic attitudes wherever they appear.
“Misogynistic attitudes, often rooted in violence, can escalate from harmful language to fatal actions. The digital landscape plays a significant role, with online communities increasingly influencing boys’ behaviours in damaging ways. Meanwhile, pornography and media contribute to a cultural environment that reinforces power imbalances and normalises abuse. Without early educational interventions, these toxic attitudes risk becoming deeply entrenched.”
Speak Up,
Act Early,
Stay Safe.
Misogyny as Deadly Violence
The tragic case in Bushey, Hertfordshire—where Amy Hunt’s mother and sisters were murdered in what she described as an act “rooted in misogyny”—has reignited public dialogue on the link between hateful attitudes and lethal outcomes. Amy emphasized the need for early interventions with boys, beginning in nursery, to prevent the normalization of misogynistic behaviour internetmatters.org+5safeguardingsouthend.co.uk+5lincolnshire.icb.nhs.uk+5
National Emergency: Violence Against Women
UNISON and police chiefs have declared violence against women in England and Wales a “national emergency,” with approximately two million female victims annually. This alarming level of harm is fueled, in part, by increasingly visible misogyny and online abuse that “poison young boys’ minds” unison.org.uk.
Regulating Violent Pornography
The UK government is introducing a ban on pornography depicting strangulation. This regulatory change aims to curb the glamorization of violence against women—marking a key step in dismantling misogynistic norms in media consumption nypost.com.
Rise of the ‘Manosphere’ Online
Recent academic critiques highlight the “manosphere” as a growing concern. Ofcom’s qualitative study underscores how some online communities foster misogyny, and experts warn that platforms are underestimating the harmful societal impact.
Misogyny on Campus
University settings have seen an unsettling trend: nine students linked with incel ideologies were referred to the government’s Prevent counter-terror programme. Meanwhile, over 2,000 reports of sexual violence between 2021 and 2024 call for urgent action.
Misogyny in Schools
Media-triggered drama: The Netflix series Adolescence is now used in UK schools to address online misogyny, toxic masculinity, and social media risks.
Curriculum responses: Teachers back new Relationships, Health & Sex Education (RHSE) guidance to counter toxic narratives from the likes of Andrew Tate—starting from primary level independent.co.uk.
Recorded behaviour: Nearly 60% of teachers report that social media has led to a rise in misogynistic attitudes and harassment among students.
Parliamentary Action
The Women & Equalities Committee has launched a wide-ranging inquiry into online misogyny, the “manosphere,” violent pornography, and educational strategies to address these issues.
Safe Spaces for Parents
Local initiatives—like Lincolnshire’s webinar for parents and carers—are helping tackle “misogyny and online harm,” offering practical support to spot misogynistic patterns and promote positive masculinity.