We’re supporting White Ribbon campaign to end violence against women
We’re supporting the White Ribbon Day campaign, 25 November, which aims to end violence towards women and girls.
The campaign calls on men and boys to be accountable for their own negative behaviours, and challenge those of their friends. This includes the use of misogynistic language, sexist jokes, catcalling or harassing women on a night out which, if left unchallenged, could escalate into violence.
Whilst violent offenders and their victims can be of any gender, the Crime Survey for England and Wales estimates 1.4 million women, almost twice as many as men, experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023.
Councillor Amanda Pinnock, Cabinet Member for Education and Communities said:
“We’re a proud supporter of the White Ribbon campaign to highlight actions we can all take to prevent or end a woman’s fear of violence.
“The sad reality is that more women will experience violence, which is why the campaign asks men, in particular, to reflect on their own behaviours and that of their peers.
“A minority of men may not realise that using misogynistic language for example, can contribute towards a fear of violence for women in their day-to-day lives. Which is why it’s important for all men to start a conversation amongst their friendship groups and don’t let these low-level behaviours become the norm. By stopping behaviour like this at the root, you could prevent it from escalating into more harmful attitudes towards women.
“Within Kirklees we continue to work collaboratively with our local partners to support those reporting incidents and to boost the feeling of safety across our public spaces. Making sure our town centres are safe is a priority across all blueprint programmes which are supported by many other organisations, including the police. Evening visitors to our town centres may also have seen the street marshals patrolling or the Night Safety Bus making a stop, and the Ask for Angela safety initiative continues to be used by venues across the nighttime economy.
“Whilst there’s always more we can do, the journey starts with each of us thinking about our own behaviour.”
How we’re working to improve safety
We continue to work with partners to provide advice, housing and support services for women and children who need to flee violence and abuse, and to deliver an ongoing package of safety measures in town centres including the use of Street Marshals, the Night Safety Bus and support for the Ask for Angela initiative.
Under our Blueprint programmes, investment in town centres will also bring improved lighting and create more open spaces, which contribute towards reduced crime and improved safety confidence.
Are you in a violent 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 at Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership 0800 052 7222.
More about White Ribbon
White Ribbon Day is spearheaded by the charity White Ribbon UK. The campaign message this year is #ItStartsWithMen.
People can sign the White Ribbon UK pledge to end violence against women and girls, and get more information online at www.whiteribbon.org.uk