Our Beginnings

In 2017, global news feeds were dominated by allegations of sexual abuse in many spheres of society. #metoo

We asked:

· How has society normalised sexual abuse and objectification to such a degree that it had been tolerated and ignored for so long? 

· What would it take to rewrite the prevailing cultural narrative that normalises sexual objectification and help shape a community safe for healthy relationships?

· Can the community work together to create a culture of dignity and equality for the next generation to grow up in?

A conversation was launched and has been gathering voices ever since.

There are many factors that enable so many global spheres to have tolerated sexual abuse for so long. Evidence shows that the sexualisation of children, the accessibility of sexually explicit material to children, and the normalisation of pornography are harming our young people's physical, mental, emotional and relational health.

The wellbeing of our children is important. So Dignify is saying, "Let’s talk about porn." — To shape a new narrative for healthy relationships.

 Dignify is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation established in 2020. Registered charity no. 1192067. 

 Together with community groups across Watford and beyond, we are shaping a new porn-free narrative for healthy relationships for children and young people — by informing and empowering them to be protected from the harmful effects of porn.

 We believe that the people of our town and your town care for our young people more than the porn industry does. So we believe that each community working together can help provide a context where children and young people can thrive within healthy relationships.

What do we do?

• We champion healthy relationships for everyone...
• We talk about the harmful impact of porn on children and young people...
• We work with others to help our children and young people inherit a future free from all forms of sexual abuse and objectification that porn can normalise...

...through

• teacher support (school assemblies, lesson plans)
• parent workshops
• social media
• hosting think tanks, conferences and events

We're a small group of volunteers who, whether we were born here or not, have made Watford our home. We have big hopes for the children and young people of Watford, and of Hertfordshire and beyond.

Helen (a local community leader) is the founder and CEO of Dignify, and leads a team that consists of Vicky (full-time mum), Geraldene (teacher), Sarah Jayne (charity manager), Nikki (administrator), and Audrey (educator).

We have a deep and enduring compassion for those caught up in abuse. We desire to make a lasting positive change and are united by our passion to help young people navigate life’s challenges and discover ways to develop healthy relationships free from the harmful effects of porn.

None of us imagined that championing healthy relationships meant we would spend so much time talking about porn — but this matters too much!

Connect with us and join the conversation.