Men speak out against gender-based violence in new campaign video
THE COMPASS CENTRE has launched a video for a new community campaign calling on Shetland men to stand up and speak out against gender-based violence.
The Stand Up Spik Oot video marks the culmination of a campaign that has been building momentum since late 2025, with eight local men involved.
Stand Up Spik Oot was created to challenge gender-based violence by engaging men as active voices for change.
Rather than speaking about the issue from the sidelines, the campaign puts Shetland men front and centre, asking them to reflect, speak out and inspire others to do the same.
Since its launch, the campaign has included a series of social media posts featuring participant quotes and photographs, followed by teaser reels released earlier this year, building to today’s full video launch.
The eight men who took part in Stand Up Spik Oot come from across the Shetland community.
The Compass Centre, a locally based charity, said their willingness to speak openly about gender-based violence represents a significant step in shifting attitudes and starting conversations that can be difficult to have.
Among the names involved are Shetland’s police area commander Chris Sewell and local councillor Alex Armitage.
Compass Centre managing director Debbie Sangster said: “We’re incredibly grateful to every man who has stood up and spoken out as part of this campaign – their courage sends a powerful message to our whole community that sexual and gender-based violence has no place here in the isles.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the staff team at The Compass Centre, whose passion and dedication has driven this campaign from the very beginning. Working alongside our community and partners, we believe we can bring about real change.”
Stan Semple, who took part in the project, said: “I’m a participant in men’s football in Shetland, and we men have a lot of opinions and a lot to say on various subjects in our group chats and social gatherings. But this serious issue is one we never speak out about.
“I took part in the film because I felt I needed to help get the message out there on behalf of guys in local football clubs.
“I hope the film encourages and emboldens other men in Shetland to not remain silent on this issue, but to use their voices and think about what they can do.”
The film will also be shown in several Shetland secondary schools in the coming weeks, reflecting The Compass Centre’s commitment to youth activism and early prevention.
By bringing this message into classrooms, the campaign aims to reach young people at a formative stage, helping to shape attitudes and build a culture where gender-based violence is never accepted as normal.
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