White Ribbon Day

25th November marks White Ribbon Day, which aims to promote the White Ribbon Promise for men to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

This year White Ribbon Day coincides with the first week of the FIFA Men’s Football World Cup which lends itself to 2022’s theme #TheGoal, which aims to highlight 11 traits men and boys can nurture to help create a world of equality and safety for women.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, said:

“White Ribbon Day is a reminder to us all that there is a long way to go in tackling violence against women and girls. Unfortunately, we understand that there is a correlation between football tournaments and the increase of domestic abuse offences that are reported so it is only right that the theme this year takes this focus.

“A key priority in my Police and Crime Plan is to protect vulnerable and at-risk people, including tackling violence against women and girls. I am committed to ensuring there is appropriate support in place for everyone who needs it.”

The Commissioner has secured funding for a new perpetrator programme which has recently been launched in Cheshire’s custody suites. This supports those committing domestic abuse-related offences in changing their behaviour and to prevent reoffending. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of three new Domestic Violence Advocates (DVAs) to provide more community-based support for victims.

The focus with the #TheGoal campaign is to raise awareness about the challenges, and the dangers, women and girls face in traditionally male-dominated context like the football pitch, but also in wider society such as when using public transport.

The 11 traits that men and boys are being encouraged to nurture are:

• Ally
• Caring
• Empathetic
• Courageous
• Gentle
• Resilient
• Reliable
• Hopeful
• Principled
• Reflective
• Supportive

With funding secured from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund, the Commissioner has also provided safety buses to be used within the night-time economy. The vehicles will provide a place of safety for vulnerable people and will offer items such as water, phone chargers and flip flops as well as having defibrillators and first aid kits on board. The buses will be staffed by police officers and community safety specialists from partner agencies to ensure anyone in need of assistance is supported until they are able to get home safely.

John Dwyer added:

“There is a long way to go in tackling violence against women and girls, but I am passionate about continuing my work alongside the Constabulary and our partner agencies to ensure support is in place for those who need it.

“Alongside victim services, it is important to remember that changing attitudes and behaviours is also key to tackling this issue. By educating ourselves on the warning signs of domestic abuse and unhealthy behaviours we take another step closer to ending violence against women and girls.”

Find more information about White Ribbon Day on the charity’s website: 

www.whiteribbon.org.uk/whiteribbonday22