WOMEN’S domestic abuse campaigners today welcomed a scheme to train men in Wales to help promote respect and healthy relationships.

Twenty men across Wales are helping to create safer communities for women and girls after completing specialist training through the Welsh government’s Sound campaign. 

The programme equips men working with young people to challenge harmful behaviours and discuss positive masculinity.

A spokesperson for Welsh Women’s Aid said: ”We welcome this initiative to provide specialist training to men. 

“We all have a role to play in the fight against violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence (VAWDASV).

“We know that in order to create a world without VAWDASV, we need to have a society that no longer tolerates it in any form.

“This is why this initiative is so important. It will create positive spaces where harmful behaviours can be challenged in a supportive way, that educates young people and encourages them to open up these conversations with their peers.”

Sound aims to prevent violence against women and girls by encouraging men to learn about gender-based violence and healthy behaviours, and to have conversations with their peers.

In partnership with White Ribbon, the Welsh government trained 20 men who already work closely with young people, helping them start conversations about harmful behaviour, healthy relationships and positive masculinity.

Deputy First Minister and Social Justice and Equalities Secretary Sioned Williams said: “We are committed to ending violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence in our society.

“Prevention is key and it must be part of a whole-system response.

“That means working across government, services and communities to challenge harmful attitudes, promote respect and stop abuse from happening in the first place.”