Why we set up this course:
From speaking with different men and communities from across the UK, we found that we urgently needed more spaces for men to explore and unpack their relationship to patriarchy, masculinity and rape culture.
There is a real need for spaces that allow men to be vulnerable and speak together about the direct impact of male violence and how they feel and respond to this harm. We need to see spaces that prioritise action and real ways to challenge and change the prevalence of male violence and rape culture in this country. This is why this course exists.
We see the value and necessity of having women and those with lived experience of rape and male violence facilitating this learning. Our insights, knowledge and expertise is essential in understanding the roots of male violence and rape culture. We can offer a perspective that is rooted in lived experience, allowing for learning that is based in empathy, solidarity and connection. We have seen first hand the power and impact of these shared spaces of learning and action.
What is this course?
A space for men to be in community with other men to gain insight, knowledge, tools and support from each other on male violence, masculinity and rape culture facilitated by survivors.
This course offers you the opportunity to ask any uncomfortable questions or those you have felt unable to ask in a non-judgemental space. It’s a space to make mistakes and be challenged in compassionate and powerful ways, where self development and collective action to dismantle male violence and rape culture are central.
Course content
The Foundations:
Understanding what sexism and misogyny looks like in 2024/25.
What is the impact on all genders?
How patriarchy maintains power dynamics, gender roles and male violence.
How sexism impacts men.
What is rape culture? How does it show up in ways you don’t always see?
Self Development and Action:
How to appropriately intervene in situations of violence and aggression.
Unpacking the fear of rejection and vulnerability.
Nurturing positive masculinity.
Starting difficult conversations, navigating defensiveness and helping other men unlearn rape culture.
Connecting to the experiences of survivors/women and knowing how to help.
Exploring the complexities of sexuality, sex work, porn and kink.
Prevention work, exploring accountability and community response.
How to challenge male violence and rape culture on a wider scale.
What to expect:
A mixture of discussions, writing exercises, independent learning materials and self reflection as well as multimedia resources.
Quotes from previous participants:
“Bryony and Meg’s course expertly explains how the actions of all men contribute to the dangers women face in society, but crucially, how we can act now to make positive changes. It’s not easy to confront the issues explored, and nor should it be, but Bryony and Meg manage to lead sessions with warmth and wit, making for an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The course should be compulsory for every man, but as it isn’t, you should use your initiative and sign up now.” – Jared
“The course is challenging in all the best ways. The content and learning of the course was well researched, well delivered and hard hitting (again in the right way) but what the course did so well was create a safe where people could be honest… about the impact of the information, about their own observations and experiences and about their privilege (which can often be the hardest thing for people to reflect on). I would have considered myself well informed before starting the course but my understanding was greatly expanded and coming away I feel a stronger sense of responsibility to act and well-equipped to do so.” – Danny
“The course helped me to question and challenge my concepts of masculinity in very deep and tender ways that feel genuinely life changing. There were such a wide range of discussion points and the attentive ways Bryony and Meggan facilitated the space opened up the possibility of very rich discussions in the group.” – Joe
“Meggan and Bryony showed kindness and compassion in their facilitation space for men to reflect on the culture they’ve been raised in, without softening the impact of male violence and rape culture. After this course I had resources from Bryony and Meggan as well as shared experiences from other male bodied people, which helped me to reflect on my own life and add evidence that I am not alone in feeling the impact caused by patriarchal masculinity.I am truly grateful for this experience.” – Lew
The Facilitators:
Bryony Ball and Meggan Baker, co-founders of SLEEC
Meggan Baker and Bryony Ball collectively bring over twenty five years’ of combined experience working within human rights, crisis and trauma services, and male violence charities, with numerous awards highlighting their contributions. Their extensive experience includes roles such as case worker, deputy manager, independent advisor, programme facilitator, training coordinator, project manager, services lead and supervisor. These were within safe houses, sexual violence services, domestic violence services, anti-trafficking and sexual exploitation, homeless support services and mental health services.
Meggan contributed to UK’s first Independent Rape Scrutiny Panel, while Bryony as the only female Independent Advisor on the Police and Crime Panel scrutinising the work of the Police Crime Commissioner covering Avon and Somerset, has played a crucial role in overseeing these servies and being able to critically address issues within. Bryony worked at Unseen for three years and alongside supporting survivors of trafficking, she was asked to join the UK’s anti-Slavery partnership, attending and advising on major police operations on trafficking.
Their leadership in campaigns against domestic violence, sexual violence, trafficking, and workers’ rights is matched by their personal experiences as survivors of rape, male violence and domestic violence.
As survivors who have worked extensively within this field, they have a breadth of knowledge, expertise and unique insight that they bring to this work.
