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Let’s talk about something incredibly important, something that touches the lives of so many, yet is often twisted and exploited for reasons that have nothing to do with genuine care: violence against women and girls (VAWG). Imagine a group of dedicated individuals, seasoned campaigners, and brave survivors standing together, their voices rising in a powerful chorus. They’re telling us loudly and clearly that it’s time to “change the narrative.” Why? Because a dangerous game is being played with the truth about VAWG. Disinformation, those cunning little distortions and outright lies, are being weaponized, used as mere “tools for political point scoring.” Think about that for a moment. Something as horrific and deeply personal as violence against women is being used as a pawn in a political chess game, not to solve the problem, but to score cheap points and sow division.
These campaigners, who have dedicated their lives to fighting this injustice, aren’t new to seeing arguments about VAWG cynically deployed. They’ve seen it time and again, particularly to fuel anti-migration agendas. It’s like a cheap trick, consistently pulled out of the hat. But here’s the frightening part: the impact of this cynical manipulation is becoming “more mainstream and devastating.” It’s no longer confined to the fringes; it’s creeping into everyday conversations, shaping public opinion, and, most disturbingly, harming the very people it claims to protect.
Recognizing this alarming trend, a powerful coalition of organizations has come together to fight back. Picture the End Violence Against Women Coalition, Hibiscus, Women for Refugee Women, Southall Black Sisters, Imkaan, and the Latin American Women’s Rights Service – these are not just names, they are beacons of hope and resilience, each with a long history of standing with and for women and girls. They’ve joined forces to create a vital new guide. This guide isn’t just a document; it’s a toolkit, a shield, and a compass for all of us. It’s designed to empower the public, politicians, and journalists to respond effectively to those who deliberately use false or misleading claims about violence against women. The goal? To dismantle the machinery of division and exploitation, to reclaim the narrative, and to re-center the conversation on what truly matters: ending VAWG.
At Asylum Matters, we’re incredibly proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with these extraordinary organizations. We believe deeply in their mission, and we know that this guide is not just helpful, but necessary. Why? Because it’s led by the people who truly understand the labyrinthine complexities of VAWG – those on the frontlines, those who witness the impact firsthand, those who dedicate every ounce of their being to supporting survivors and advocating for change. And what are they telling us? They’re shouting from the rooftops that the scapegoating of people seeking sanctuary, of anyone who has moved to the UK in search of safety and a better life, is not only unproductive but actively harmful. It’s like trying to put out a fire by pouring gasoline on it. This insidious practice of blaming migrants for societal ills, including violence against women, doesn’t just miss the point; it completely derails the vital work of ending VAWG.
Think about it: when you reinforce “stranger danger” myths, you’re not making anyone safer. Instead, you’re distracting public attention from the real, systemic causes of violence. You’re diverting focus from the proven solutions and instead pointing fingers at vulnerable populations. And perhaps most tragically, this scapegoating actively increases the risk of harm to Black, minoritised, and migrant women. These are the very women who are often doubly vulnerable, facing discrimination on multiple fronts. So, for anyone who genuinely, truly cares about ending this violence – and we believe that’s the vast majority of us – the message is clear: we must listen to these expert voices. They are not speaking from a place of political ambition or personal gain; they are speaking from a place of profound knowledge, empathy, and a tireless commitment to justice.
Our goal, and the spirit behind this guide, is to help people engage in good-faith, persuasive conversations. We understand that many people might have been exposed to misinformation and disinformation about VAWG, perhaps without even realizing it. The world of online news and social media can be a minefield of distorted truths. This guide offers a way to cut through that noise, to equip individuals with the tools to push back against those who deliberately weaponize this profoundly important issue. It’s about empowering you to challenge harmful falsehoods, to foster constructive dialogue with the people in your life – your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues – and to ultimately steer conversations away from divisive narratives and towards a shared understanding of the truth.
The guide encourages us to find common ground, to unite over shared positive values. Because underneath all the political posturing and fear-mongering, most people genuinely want a safer, more equitable world. By appealing to these shared values, we can begin to tell a more honest story. A story that helps everyone understand the real causes of gendered violence – not fabricated ones, but deeply rooted societal issues that require genuine solutions. And critically, it helps us understand the real solutions, the ones that are grounded in evidence, empathy, and collective action.
Janaya Walker, the Interim Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), articulates this perfectly. She reminds us that “the public overwhelmingly cares about ending violence against women and girls.” This isn’t a niche issue; it’s a universal concern. But, she laments, “this concern has been increasingly exploited by those who promote misinformation and stoke fear and division in our communities.” She’s calling out the cynical opportunists, saying that “to those figures, which includes politicians, organisations on the frontlines of tackling violence against women and girls say ‘not in our name’.” It’s a powerful declaration, a refusal to allow their vital work to be tainted by malicious intent.
Janaya emphasizes that “ending violence against women and girls is everyone’s responsibility, and we can all take small, everyday actions to get us there.” This isn’t just about grand gestures or political reforms, though those are crucial. It’s also about the conversations we have, the information we share, and the narratives we challenge in our daily lives. The guide is specifically designed to help us do just that. It offers practical, actionable advice – not theoretical jargon – to equip us to challenge misinformation, to gracefully yet firmly move conversations away from harmful stereotypes and divisive rhetoric, and crucially, to propel us towards a better, safer, and more just world for all women and girls. It’s a call to action for each of us, a testament to the power of truth, and a beacon of hope for a future free from violence.