A new Alliance has been launched in Rhondda Cynon Taf to encourage men and boys to become active allies in preventing domestic abuse and creating safer communities.
The Men Against Domestic Abuse Alliance brings together individuals, organisations, workplaces and community groups that are committed to challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours, promoting healthy and respectful relationships, and making it clear that domestic abuse will not be tolerated.
An estimated 3.8 million people in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse in the last year and around 1 in 4 adults has experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16.*
While domestic abuse can affect anyone, evidence shows that men make up the largest proportion of perpetrators. However, the Alliance is not about blaming all men or suggesting that all men are part of the problem.
Instead, it recognises that men and boys can be an enormous part of the solution.
Most men do not tolerate abuse and do not want the women and girls in their lives to experience violence, fear or controlling behaviour. The Alliance aims to give men a positive and visible role in preventing abuse by encouraging them to speak out, challenge unacceptable behaviour and promote equality and respect.
It also recognises the importance of engaging boys and young men. Prevention does not begin in adulthood. It starts much earlier through the way young people learn about relationships and healthy masculinity.
By providing positive role models and creating opportunities for honest conversations, the Alliance will encourage boys and young men to recognise that they have choices. They can choose respect, challenge sexism and contribute to communities in which women and girls feel safe.
The Alliance was officially launched at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s first Domestic Abuse Conference on September 30, 2026, which brought together professionals, partners, elected Members and community leaders to strengthen the collective response to domestic abuse, share learning and consider how communities can better support victims and survivors.
The conference included a powerful contribution from Ruth Dodsworth OBE, ITV presenter and domestic abuse survivor, who shared her personal experience and helped attendees understand that the signs of domestic abuse are not always visible.
Ruth spoke about how controlling behaviour can develop gradually and how the boundaries between care and control can become blurred. She also highlighted some of the signs that friends, relatives and colleagues may notice, including changes in someone’s behaviour, becoming isolated, appearing constantly nervous or distracted, and reacting fearfully when receiving calls or messages.
Following the event, Ruth agreed to become an ambassador for the Men Against Domestic Abuse Alliance, helping to raise awareness of its work and encourage more people and organisations to support its aims.
Ruth Dodsworth OBE, Men Against Domestic Abuse Ambassador, said: “I am incredibly proud to become an ambassador for the Men Against Domestic Abuse Alliance and to support its work in encouraging men and boys to become part of the solution.
“By showing up, having these conversations and being prepared to listen, people may not realise that they could help save the life of someone experiencing domestic abuse.
“The signs are not always obvious. Domestic abuse can begin with questions about where someone has been or who they have spoken to, before gradually developing into isolation, financial control, coercive behaviour or physical abuse.
“If your instinct is telling you that something is not right, it is important not to ignore it. Asking someone carefully if they are okay and making them feel safe and supported can be an important first step.
“A person may not be ready to talk or recognise what is happening to them straight away. What matters is that they know someone is there for them and that support is available.
“Domestic abuse does not simply end when a perpetrator is arrested or a relationship ends. The trauma can continue for many years. Unless we keep having these conversations and work together to challenge abuse, nothing will change.
“I hope that through this Alliance, we can encourage more men to speak out, challenge harmful behaviour and stand alongside women and survivors as visible allies for change.”
The Alliance will work to:
- Engage men as active allies in preventing domestic abuse.
- Challenge harmful attitudes, behaviours and social norms that enable abuse.
- Promote healthy, respectful and equal relationships.
- Increase awareness of domestic abuse and its impact on individuals, families and communities.
- Encourage men to speak out, take responsibility and support positive cultural change.
- Engage men and boys in conversations about respect, equality and healthy relationships.
- Create safer communities through prevention, education and advocacy.
- Amplify the experiences and voices of women and survivors.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Leisure, and Domestic Abuse Champion, said: “Around one in four adults has experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16. Behind that figure are victims, survivors, families and entire communities living with its devastating and lasting effects.
“This number will continue to rise unless we are prepared to do something differently and address the attitudes and behaviours that allow abuse to continue.
“The Men Against Domestic Abuse Alliance is not about blaming men. It is about recognising that men have an important responsibility and an opportunity to become part of the solution.
“The vast majority of men do not want the women and girls in their lives to experience violence, fear or controlling behaviour. We want to give those men a positive and visible role in creating change by encouraging them to speak out, challenge harmful behaviour, and talk to other men and boys about respect and equality.
“The men of tomorrow are the boys of today. By providing positive role models and teaching young people about healthy relationships, we can help prevent abusive behaviour from becoming normalised.
“This conference was only the beginning. Our ambition is for the Alliance to help create a lasting culture in which men challenge abuse, stand alongside women and survivors, and show boys and young men what healthy and respectful behaviour looks like.”
Individuals, workplaces, community groups and organisations are now being encouraged to pledge their support for the Alliance.
By joining the Alliance, they will be asked to support its principles and consider practical actions including:
- Nominating a workplace or community champion.
- Raising awareness through communications, campaigns and events.
- Encouraging domestic abuse awareness training for staff and volunteers.
- Challenging inappropriate behaviours and attitudes when they arise.
- Promoting support services for victims and survivors.
- Engaging men and boys in positive conversations about respect and equality.
- Working with partners to help deliver a shared vision of communities free from abuse.
The Alliance is about standing alongside women and survivors, amplifying their experiences and recognising that preventing domestic abuse is a responsibility shared across the whole community.
Together, people and organisations across Rhondda Cynon Taf can challenge abuse, support survivors and help create a safer future for women and girls, and therefore for everyone.
Individuals and organisations can also express an interest to become part of the Alliance by emailing: MenAgainstDomesticAbuse@rctcbc.gov.uk
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or are concerned about someone else, you are not alone. Support is available. Visit: https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Resident/EmergenciesSafetyandCrime/CommunitySafetyPartnership/Domesticabuse.aspx
*Office for National Statistics, Crime Survey for England and Wales: Domestic abuse prevalence and trends, England and Wales, year ending March 2025, published 26 November 2025.
Posted on 13/10/2026