Our ethos

At Staying Put, we proudly adopt a feminist approach to our work. We acknowledge that women and girls face discrimination due to their gender, and we reject the ideology that women are worth less than men. 

Our leadership is, and will always be, predominantly women-led. Our work is structured to empower women who have faced abuse and violence, predominantly at the hands of men, to help them thrive, and achieve their full potential. 

Domestic abuse and sexual violence can affect any gender, but it disproportionately effects women and girls. In the latest statistics by the ONS, 1.6 million women experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2020, compared with 757,000 men. Domestic abuse is a gendered issue. 

Feminism helps everyone. A more equal society, with a balance of power, will ensure that everyone’s needs are addressed, and everyone can live a life free from oppression. 

We practice intersectional feminism. Intersectionality is the concept that all oppression is linked. We recognise how other forms oppression due to class, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability, can overlap with and exacerbate gender discrimination. 

Everyone has their own individual experiences of discrimination and oppression, and we understand that the most marginalised voices are the ones who are often silenced. 

Frequently asked questions

Doesn’t feminism mean you hate men?

Absolutely not. Society has created a culture where men are not given the freedom to express their emotions in a healthy way, which can lead to internalisation of thought, meaning that men do not reach out for support in the same way women do. This can lead to anger issues, depression and suicide. 

A lot of work is being done to address this by many fantastic organisations, but there is still so much work to be done. We want to live in a world where men are able to speak to their friends when they are struggling, or find no shame in approaching mental health professionals if they need the help. 

Being understood and heard is important for everyone, and this will help to reduce abuse and violence.

If you are a feminist organisation, why do you help men?

As we mentioned above – anyone can be affected by domestic abuse, and although fewer men experience domestic abuse, they can still be victims and they have the right to access help.