WARRINGTON Borough Council has been awarded “white ribbon” accreditation in recognition of the work of the borough’s domestic abuse partnership in combating domestic violence.
The White Ribbon campaign is the largest global initiative for challenging domestic violence and aims to engage with, and educate men in particular on key issues such as violence and abuse.
Cllr Pat Wright, the council’s lead member for statutory health and adult social care said: “I’m delighted to see the council and its partners being recognised for taking a stand against domestic abuse in Warrington. This accreditation shows that we are heading in the right direction locally, although we all recognise that there is much more to be done.
“One in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and a similar number will suffer from sexual assault or stalking. The majority of these incidents are committed by men and it is therefore the responsibility of men to support us to work to prevent it. At the same time women also commit acts of domestic violence, as do partners in same-sex relationships, and we need to make it an unacceptable feature in partnerships, families and communities.
“We need to bring the issue out into the open with our work colleagues, friends and families. Women’s organisations in particular want men to take a stand, work to end violence, and the White Ribbon UK campaign provides a vehicle for men to do this.”
In support of the accreditation, a number of male “White Ribbon ambassadors” will encourage awareness of domestic violence through their own networks and beyond.
Steve Peddie, the council’s executive director of families and wellbeing, who is one of the men who has taken on the role as an ambassador said: “To wear a white ribbon is to pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about domestic violence against women. It’s vital for men to be involved because it is men’s responsibility to act.
“I would urge my colleagues, family, friends and males across the borough to join the White Ribbon campaign and show that domestic violence will not be tolerated.”
The council and its partners have committed to a wide-ranging action plan on tackling male violence against women, as well as all other types of domestic abuse, incorporating positive work already underway in addition to supporting new initiatives. This includes the development of a domestic and sexual violence policy for employees and council members and appointing volunteer ambassadors to carry the message out to more men.
Individuals can join over 33,000 others who have signed the White Ribbon UK pledge, ahead of White Ribbon Day on Sunday , and get more information online at whiteribbon.org.uk.
Picture: Cllr Pat Wright with White Ribbon ambassadors (left to right) Steve Cullen – chief officer of Warrington District Citizens Advice Bureau, Steve Peddie and Colin Daniels – chief executive of Warrington Chamber of Commerce
