The historic Violence Against Men and Boys Bill approaches its second reading; and I fear, as it stands, this may be the last time it’s discussed in Westminster, before fizzling out. It desperately needs support, not just the bill, but moreso, the millions of abused men and boys across the country it promises to finally make visible, to support and save, if passed. These are the men and boys left out in the cold, forgotten by services, erased by policy, unseen by the public, failed by society, and callously and clumsily categorised as ‘Male Victims of Violence Against Women’ (?!) instead. To be honest – I never thought we’d see a strategy for Violence Against Men and Boys discussed anytime soon, let alone inked into a bill and held aloft in Westminster – but here it is, an unexpected opportunity for real, meaningful and lasting change, to literally save and transform lives, if only we had the guts to grab it. So where, oh where is the UK’s largest men’s health and male suicide prevention charity @MovemberUK, whose deep pockets, public platforms and powerful political allies can single-handedly change the tide of this losing battle? Where is their obligation to advocate for men’s health, which VAMB surely is? If such a charity really is about reducing male suicide, why do they seem to pick and choose which suicides they reduce, and which are left behind? Where is the voice for the countless many male lives, silently lost and immiserated by experiences of sexual and domestic abuse? How can a charity that encourages men to talk, say so little themselves? And if Movember fails to support men, then why should we support them? So I ask all of you, and most of all the charity themselves: will Movember support the Violence Against Men and Boys Bill? What do you think? ~ ONS 40%  YEF How men feel about VAWG #menshealth #malesuicideprevention #mentalhealth

2025-06-25