Luton Borough Council and partner organisations have the Raising  Red, Flying Green campaign. This is a great campaign using a red flag to highlight warning signs of abuse and green flags to signal healthy relationships. This is a great initiative. Equally,  domestic abuse / violence affects boys, and men too, at home and on the streets.  I regularly come across boys and men who do not recognise what domestic abuse is or are too embarrassed to report it or ask for help.  This  raising flag campaign can be strengthened further by deliberately including boys and men too. using a Blue flag to acknowledge the abuse/violence experiences by boys and men too. 

Men are often expected to stay silent about pain. Whether that's abuse at home or violence on the streets. Both issues stem from the same culture that tells them to 'MAN UP' instead of reaching out for help.

I  propose the introduction of a “blue flag” element in the campaign a visible symbol of unity, inclusion and awareness. The blue flag would carry a message of “We Unite” and acknowledges men and boys who may feel invisible, ashamed, or unsupported. It is important to recognise that boys and men are under‑represented in awareness campaigns. It is key to change the mindset, reduce stigma, and build a truly inclusive community response. 

To be clear the blue flag doesn’t detract from the vital focus on women and girls, rather it complements it by making the campaign embrace everyone affected by these issues.

I ask Luton Council  & all local authorities to make domestic abuse and violence campaigns inclusive to hear the voices of men and boys too who are victims also.

I ask Luton to:

Update the campaign materials (posters, flags, social‑media visuals) to include the blue flag and awareness for men/boys.

 Monitor how inclusive the campaign is (e.g., uptake by men/boys, response to the blue‑flag symbol) and publishing progress.

Together, we can make sure that help, awareness and change reach all members of our community.

I want to express disappointment that many services in our region who work with boys & men have not felt able to publicly attach their names to this collaborative effort, or sign the petition opting to sit on the fence. I understand there are many reasons for this, but true activism is not just about flags, it’s about showing up, for issues that affect the people you support unapologetically. 

Please support the cause by donating & following my Instagram bobsinclarwantschange