Sarah Mulholland has applauded King Charles's response to the Epstein files, while issuing a powerful call for men to take action against misogyny. In a letter, she welcomed the Buckingham Palace statement indicating the king's readiness to support police over claims about Prince Andrew, but noted it should have come sooner. This statement acknowledges the collective responsibility we hold for the acts of others, not just our own.
The Pervasiveness of Male Violence
Mulholland emphasises that male violence against women and girls is not confined to the rich and powerful; it permeates every stratum of society. This violence manifests in various forms, including domestic abuse behind closed doors, spiked drinks in clubs and pubs, trafficking and rape by grooming gangs of all ethnicities, incidents within institutions like the Metropolitan Police, and the genital mutilation of hundreds of thousands of women globally. She stresses that these acts are expressions of power—over women, over other men, or power reinforced among men.
Challenging the Narrative of 'Other'
We often comfort ourselves with a narrative that such crimes are committed by people different from "us," whether due to socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or culture. This "othering" allows distance, as we believe "our" men—husbands, brothers, sons, and fathers—would never perpetrate such violence. However, Mulholland argues this mindset enables the problem to persist by ignoring its widespread nature.
The Role of Bystander Men
Better support for victims is crucial, but Mulholland highlights the need to engage with perpetrators and, importantly, challenge the majority of men who do not abuse but remain silent when they witness it. These men have a responsibility to confront structural, institutional, and individual misogyny. Every time a "normal" man fails to speak out, he colludes in and perpetuates the cycle of violence.
By applauding King Charles for taking a lead, Mulholland calls on other men to follow suit, urging them to actively combat misogyny in all its forms. This collective effort is essential for creating a safer society for women and girls everywhere.
