The Words Matter reporting guidelines have been created in collaboration with Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucestershire’s Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and This Ends Now. These guidelines aim to initiate a significant change in language for police communicators reporting on instances of male violence against women and girls in order to reduce victim blaming and misogyny. These crimes are committed primarily, but not exclusively, by men and boys against women and girls, and victim blaming language contributes to a culture which normalises this. Therefore, it is important to accurately report on incidents within the context of a society where male violence against women and girls is prevalent. A shift in language can help amplify the voices of victims and survivors, place responsibility on the perpetrator, and improve accuracy in reporting by naming the crime. Click below to download the guidelines.