White Ribbon campaign: stand with partners in Shropshire
Agencies and organisations across Shropshire joining forces to pledge their support this year for the White Ribbon Campaign.
The White Ribbon Campaign is the largest effort in the world where men are working to end men’s violence against women. It started in Canada in 1991, came to the UK in 2004 and is now active in more than 60 countries.
The international campaign which runs from Wednesday 25 November 2015 for 16 days is inviting Shropshire men, women and children to support the campaign by wearing a white ribbon to make this pledge:
Never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women
Supporting this in Shropshire are Shropshire Council’s public health team, the Probation Service, West Mercia Police, Shropshire Council’s children’s services, RAF Shawbury and Shrewsbury Town FC.
In the UK, 45% of women have experienced some form of domestic abuse and sexual violence or stalking. And there are still on average two women a week in England and Wales killed by their violent partner or ex-partner.
On Tuesday 24 November 2015, Shropshire Countywide Domestic Abuse Forum will hold a special White Ribbon meeting to reflect on this significant day in standing against violence against women not just in Shropshire, but across the UK and indeed the world. And the forum members, who are from across Shropshire, will join together to provide multi-agency displays at Shropshire Council, Shirehall in Shrewsbury. These displays will remain for the duration of the 16 days of action for all in Shropshire to visit. All are welcome.
In addition, there will be display boards also providing white ribbons, badges, stickers and wristbands available at various children’s centres, at the Hospitals in both Shrewsbury and Telford for visitors and staff, and at RAF Shawbury.
In Ludlow, as a tribute to victims of domestic abuse, the South Shropshire Domestic Violence Network have arranged a vigil in St Laurence’s Church on Friday 4 December 2015 from 10.30am to 11.30am, which will be followed by a stand in Castle Square from 12 noon to 2.30pm, with White Ribbon resources being made available to Ludlow Sixth Form College students.
Additionally, Shrewsbury Town FC’s home match on Saturday 28 November 2015 versus Gillingham will be a ‘White Ribbon’ match. There will be a White Ribbon banner on full display for players, staff and fans to see, and white ribbons will be made available. At half-time, a short domestic abuse awareness film will be played and the club’s announcer will share information about the White Ribbon campaign.
Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, said:-
“We want to encourage men and young people in Shropshire across all walks of life, from different communities, backgrounds, groups, professions, to become ambassadors to stand up and say “No” to violence against women. Please pledge your support and sign up to become an ambassador, and put an end to this unacceptable and terrible act.”
Jo Berry, Shropshire Council’s domestic violence prevention co-ordinator in public health, added:
“Whilst the White Ribbon campaign nationally is focused on ending violence against women and girls and is directed at men, we in Shropshire want to eliminate violence against all sexes, recognising that it has devastating effects on women, men and children.”
If you are concerned about domestic abuse and need advice you can call the 24-hour domestic abuse helpline on 0800 783 1359 (Shropshire, Herefordshire, Telford & Wrekin) or the National Helpline 0808 200 0247.
To access relevant and up-to-date guidance and advice on domestic abuse and violence, and find out about services offered within Shropshire, visit the Freedom Shropshire website: http://www.freedomshropshire.org.uk.
