New survey shows men in Scotland want to do more to stop sexual violence against women
A survey for Police Scotland’s ‘don’t be that guy’ campaign found that most men want to do more to stop sexual violence against women in Scotland.
Of those surveyed, 94% agreed that men have a part to play in reducing sexual violence against women (70% strongly agree) and 96% agreed that they would tell a friend to stop if they were sexually harassing a woman.
Over three quarters of men (78%) agreed that they would like to do more to stop sexual violence against women in Scotland, with 36% strongly agreeing.
The survey comes ahead of a new That Guy podcast series that offers advice to young men by having conversations about masculinity.
When it comes to intervention, 29% say they have intervened in a situation where a woman was being sexually harassed, with men over 30 more likely to say they had intervened.
67% agree that seeing more men speaking out would make them more confident in doing so themselves.
Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Steve Johnson, lead for Major Crime and Public Protection, Police Scotland said:
“There are some really encouraging results from the That Guy survey and men clearly see that they have a role to play in helping prevent sexual violence.
“For too long women have had to change their behaviour in everyday situations because of the potential for sexual harassment. Men can make a difference by speaking up, challenging abusive and misogynistic behaviour and being a positive role model for others to do the same.”
The That Guy podcast features frank conversations about the attitudes and behaviours that puts men at risk of offending and women at risk of sexual violence.
It’s hosted by writer and broadcaster Alistair Heather and explores topics like masculinity, fitness and social media.
The podcast series will be available on the That Guy YouTube channel and podcast platforms such as Spotify and Apple. Episodes will be published during the campaign which runs from Friday, 7 November to early January 2026.
ACC Johnson said:
“Reports of sexual crime continue to rise and my hope is that increased reporting indicates increased confidence in victims coming forward, either directly or through the partners we work with.
“Women and girls should be able to live their lives free from all forms of violence, abuse, harassment and exploitation.
“Men can help to prevent sexual crime by tackling the behaviours that demean women.”
