The next stage of the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s #IsThisOK? campaign to tackle gender-based violence has launched .
Named #IsThisOK?: It’s Not A Game, Boy, the campaign aims to raise awareness of coercive and controlling behaviour.
A hard-hitting film has been released, commissioned by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) with local actors, and featuring a young female who experiences escalating levels of coercive and controlling behaviour from her boyfriend.
While uncomfortable viewing, the film educates the audience on how to recognise the signs of this behaviour and how to access support and take action.
Trigger Warning
This video contains references to domestic abuse and coercive control. If you need support, please contact domesticabusehelpline.co.uk
Data shows that around 300 coercive and controlling behaviour offences are recorded per month in Greater Manchester, although the real number of offences is likely to be higher. Instances go unreported as people in coercive and controlling relationships often do not recognise the harm they face, and that it is a form of domestic abuse and against the law.
Coercive and controlling behaviour often escalates over a period of time and can initially be difficult to spot. These behaviours can include controlling someone’s finances, or isolating them from their family and friends.
The campaign was developed after extensive consultation with people who have lived experience of coercive and controlling behaviour and other forms of gender-based violence, a wide range of people in organisations who provide support services to victims, including voluntary and community organisations, police and criminal justice partners and academic partners.
The current phase of #IsThisOk? aims to raise awareness and lay the foundation for the next phase of the campaign, which will target people using harmful behaviour and people who may know victims of coercive and controlling behaviour and encourage them to seek support.
#IsThisOK? runs across Greater Manchester from August through to October, appearing across major billboard sites and social media, and will be amplified by charity and media partners, reaching millions of people in the process. The campaign educates the public on the common signs of coercive and controlling behaviour and how to take action.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:
“#IsThisOK? has been one of the most important and impactful campaigns that we have run in Greater Manchester.
“I launched the campaign back in 2021 because I knew we needed to do something to start a new conversation about women’s safety and drive behaviour change amongst men, lads and boys. Women and girls have had to tolerate unacceptable behaviour for far too long, and I want to make it clear that it does not have a place here or anywhere else.”
Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Safer and Stronger Communities, said:
“The next phase of the #IsThisOk? campaign is a vital step in helping people across Greater Manchester recognise coercive and controlling behaviour, and how they can get support.
“The campaign supports our wider Gender-Based Violence Strategy by raising awareness of hidden forms of abuse, challenging harmful attitudes, and encouraging safe, informed action from friends, families and communities. Together, we’re working to make Greater Manchester a place where abuse is never ignored or accepted.”
