We Speak Up: Adam Moghadas
Meet Adam Moghadas, a White Ribbon UK Ambassador and Partner of a law firm and member of the Domestic Abuse Forum for Cambridgeshire, committed to speaking up and taking action to help end violence against women and girls. We spoke to Adam about his motivations for becoming an Ambassador, his personal experiences, and why it matters for men to be active allies.
What motivates you to be a White Ribbon Ambassador?
From my own personal experiences as a young boy and as a family lawyer, I have seen first-hand how deeply domestic abuse/violence can wound individuals, children, and entire families. It is one thing to navigate these issues in a Court room, but it is another to witness the long term emotional and psychological toll it takes on those impacted. These experiences make it impossible for me to stay silent. Becoming a White Ribbon ambassador is my way of stepping beyond the legal process and standing up for prevention, respect, and change.
I am motivated by both my experiences and those of my clients - and the courage they have shown in the hardest moments of their lives. Almost all have told me how they wish they had someone in their corner. That stays with me, and I want to help change harmful attitudes and be part of the solution, not just someone who stands idly by.
Do you have a personal story or experience you’d like to share?
Becoming a family lawyer was not an accident; it was a response. As a child growing up in a home where domestic abuse/violence took place, I am only too aware of the scars that are left – and these don’t simply disappear with time. As an adult, I can see how those early experiences have shaped the way I think, feel, and move through the world. As a child, I learnt to be hyperaware/conscious of tone, footsteps, or signs that something might escalate. Those childhood memories have never left me, and I understand only too well what it feels like to be small, scared, and powerless – and it is that understanding that drives me to ensure that others do not feel the same. It has influenced the choices I make, the career path I have chosen and the causes I stand behind. It is why I am committed to speaking out about domestic abuse/violence and helping create environments where adults and children feel safe, heard, and protected. Whilst I cannot change what happened in my childhood, hopefully I can use my voice now to help break the cycle for others.
What message would you give to other men, to encourage them to be allies to women and girls?
You have an important role to play in where women and girls feel safe, respected, and valued – not because you are expected to be protectors but because you choose to be partners in building a culture of respect. Being an ally starts with simple but meaningful actions. It means speaking up when you hear disrespect whether that is in the form of jokes or casual comments. It means questioning old ideas about masculinity which encourages dominance or the silencing of emotions. It means treating everyone with dignity even when nobody is watching. You don’t have to be perfect – you just need to be willing to learn and lead by example. Your voice carries weight with your friends, brothers, teammates, classmates, colleagues and beyond. If you can show respect and call out harmful behaviour and promote equality others will follow. Domestic violence doesn’t start with a punch, it starts with attitudes - so choose to be someone who values genuine strength, be kind, accountable and stand up for what is right.