Kirklees Together

We’re lighting up town halls this Saturday to mark White Ribbon Day and support the elimination of violence towards women and girls and #ChangeTheStory

White Ribbon Day – 25 November 2023

Also known as the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women. The White Ribbon campaign calls on men and boys to pledge to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence towards women and girls.

The national campaign is spearheaded by the charity White Ribbon UK.

Councillor Mussarat Pervaiz, Cabinet Member for Communities said:

“I’m proud to support the White Ribbon campaign as part of our commitment to help end violence towards women and girls.

“Whilst anyone could be a perpetrator, the reality is that most violence against women is committed by men.

“The term ‘violence’ covers a whole range of behaviours, from what some people could see as harmless banter, like cat-calling, to the tragic loss of a life. It’s important we recognise all these behaviours for what they are and challenge them in the right way.

“The violent or abusive behaviour of a few in our society is not acceptable. Only by working together and taking action can we expect to disrupt harmful attitudes, stopping them from becoming a norm or developing into something much worse.

“Men in particular can take an active role in preventing violence by recognising and stopping their own harmful behaviours, or those of someone in their friendship groups. But it doesn’t stop there. We each have a responsibility to call out wrong behaviour or report an incident so it can be acted upon by the right authorities.

“Whilst we hope people don’t need them, schemes like the Night Safety Bus, Street Marshalls and Ask for Angela act as a reassuring presence and all help to boost the feeling of safety for everyone enjoying the night life in Kirklees.”

How the council is supporting safety

• Night Safety bus: staffed by drug and alcohol support service, Change Grow Live Kirklees. It provides a safe space and support for those enjoying the night life in Huddersfield Town Centre.
• Street Marshalls: are on regular patrol on busy town centre nights. They help people as they move from one bar to another. Acting as a reassuring presence that helps to minimise crime. 
• Ask for Angela: a safety scheme that encourages people to ‘ask for Angela’ if they need help, feel scared or uneasy on a night out. Asking for Angela is a discreet code phrase to alert staff in a nightclub, bar, or restaurant that you need help.

• Just Don’t: We’re backing this powerful new campaign launched by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin. It aims to tackle everyday harassment and inappropriate male behaviour towards women and girls. The campaign features the story of five men who make excuses for their inappropriate behaviour and harassment in everyday situations.

Make a promise

Make the White Ribbon promise. It only takes 30 seconds and symbolises your personal commitment to #ChangeTheStory for women and girls.

If you think you are in an abusive relationship

Domestic abuse includes behaviours between intimate partners or family members and includes a wide range of behavioural patterns from physical and sexual violence to psychological, emotional, financial abuse, threatening behaviour, stalking and harassment.

Information about the support available for anyone experiencing domestic abuse is available from the Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership.