Image: White Ribbon

Support White Ribbon Day

On 25 November, the world marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day. Is your organisation planning an activity or event as part of this campaign? John Whittington, Hastings Borough Council’s White Ribbon campaign coordinator would like to know. Barbara Browning from HBC writes.

“Our mission is to end male violence against women once and for all. To wear a White Ribbon is to pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence. Our message to men is to practice tolerance, respect and kindness, and to stand up against male violence, bullying and sexism in all forms.”

Extract from the website: White Ribbon.

UK Statistics

The national statistics make grim reading:

• Two women are killed every week in England and Wales by a current or former partner (Office of National Statistics, 2015)

• Every minute police in the UK receive a domestic assistance call, yet only 35% of domestic violence incidents are reported to the police (Stanko, 2000 & Home Office, 2002)

• 62% of children in households where domestic violence is happening are also directly harmed (SafeLives, 2015)

• 30% of domestic violence either starts or will intensify during pregnancy (Department of Health report, October 2004)

• The costs to services (Criminal Justice System, health, social services, housing, civil legal) amount to £3.8 billion per year

Nationwide and local White Ribbon campaigning

Agencies and partnerships across the country are marking the day with a minute’s silence, or asking sports event participants to make a personal pledge to help end domestic violence at the beginning of a match, or raising awareness with an activity.

Cllr Colin Fitzgerald said, “In 2016/17 in Hastings there were 957 domestic abuse related crimes recorded, 25% of crime in Hastings. This is an appalling local statistic; please support this campaign by making a public pledge either through your organisation, or on 25 November in Hastings Town centre by making a personal pledge to end domestic violence.”

The local White Ribbon campaign is coordinating activities and has a media campaign planned for November. Follow Hastings Borough Council on Facebook for campaign updates. Please contact John Whittington, White Ribbon campaign coordinator and community safety manager on 01424 45 14 38 or 01424 45 14 37 or email communitysafety@hastings.gov.uk

Also in: Campaigns