Knowsley Council is once again taking a stand and proudly supporting White Ribbon Day on the 25 November.
White Ribbon Day is an annual awareness day aimed at preventing violence against women and girls and coincides with The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Violence Against Women and Girls is a serious problem in Knowsley and across Merseyside, with a Police survey showing that 71% of women living on Merseyside live in fear of sexual assault. This is unacceptable and Knowsley Council is committed to working with partners to tackle this.
This evening a vigil taking place at the Bombed Out Church in Liverpool to mark White Ribbon Day. The event has been organised by the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner.
White Ribbon Day also marks the start of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Throughout this period, Knowsley Council will be raising awareness of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls. This includes:
- The launch of a new domestic-abuse campaign, Is This You? – you might already see some of the artwork dotted around Council buildings as we roll it out
- Lighting the Greystone Bridge orange on 25 November. The colour orange is used to coincided with the “Orange the World” UN worldwide Campaign that is aimed at demonstrating solidarity in eliminating all forms of violence. Orange is therefore used as the colour of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
- Providing signposting, support information and case studies across the 16 days
- Council staff raising money for the Knowsley women’s refuge
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “We are fully committed to supporting the White Ribbon campaign and 16 Days of Activism. Unfortunately, our services continue to see an increase demand year on year and the latest police survey results show that women and girls do not feel safe in our communities. This is unacceptable.
“Violence against women and girls will not be accepted in Knowsley and we are united with our partners in working to make a difference.”
What is White Ribbon Day?
White Ribbon Day is organised by White Ribbon, the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.
The charity’s mission is to prevent violence by addressing its root cause. White Ribbon UK’s work is preventive and aims to change the long established, and harmful, attitudes, systems and behaviours around masculinity that perpetuate gender inequality and men’s violence against women.
This year, White Ribbon UK is encouraging men to hold themselves accountable to women, and to each other, so we can affect positive behaviour change to transform harmful cultures. Gender equality is key to making this culture change happen. Gender equality is achievable if men and boys understand and assume their responsibility as allies.
You can read more about the White Ribbon Pledge here.
Where can I turn for help?
If you, your child, or anyone in the family are at immediate risk of harm, you should contact the police urgently, call 999. If you are not at immediate risk but are concerned, please contact one of the services listed below:
Knowsley Council Safer Communities Service (Specialist Domestic Abuse Service)
Tel: 0151 443 2610
Enquiries.safercommunities@knowsley.gov.uk
Knowsley Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub
Tel: 0151 443 2600
The First Step (Specialist Domestic Abuse Service)
Tel: 0151 548 3333
Website: www.thefirststep.org.uk
Savera UK
Helpline 0800 107 0726
www.saverauk.co.uk
Support is also available through:
- National Domestic violence Helpline 0808 2000 247
- Men’s Advice Line 0808 801 0327
- LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428
- Women’s Aid – Live chat to Women’s Aid