Brighton & Hove men are being urged to help end violence against women and girls as part of this year’s worldwide White Ribbon campaign.
The campaign asks everyone, but especially men, to take a personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about male violence against women.
The call comes from the Brighton & Hove Community Safety Partnership, Safe in the City, in the run up to the international White Ribbon Campaign’s 16 Days of Action, starting this Saturday 25 November.
The campaign is a global movement of men and boys working to end male violence against women and girls by raising awareness and understanding of domestic and sexual abuse.
A commitment by the council to put an end to domestic and sexual abuse has earned Brighton & Hove 'White Ribbon City' status for the third time.
Cllr Emma Daniel, chair of the council’s neighbourhoods, inclusion, communities & equalities committee, said: “It’s extremely important that men take a lead in ensuring women and girls are protected from violence and abuse in all its forms.
“We are calling on everyone, but especially men, to take the pledge and help put an end to the threats, intimidation and violence woman and girls face both at home and outside the home, often on a daily basis.”
The global campaign starts on the United Nations International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women, on 25 November, and runs to Human Rights Day on 10 December.
In Brighton & Hove, a range of agencies, groups and individuals are running events to raise awareness, make sure people know where to go for help and support, and share stories about people's experiences, recovery and work.
In the city, domestic violence, abuse and sexual violence are priorities for the Safe in the City partnership. The partnership has a particular focus on increasing social intolerance and reducing acceptance of violence and abuse so that people are able to have safe, equal and violence free relationships.
While the 16 days are focused on violence against women, there is also a recognition that heterosexual men, as well as people in same sex relationships, can also be affected by violence and abuse.
Events will be held across the city, including events being held by local charities including RISE, Survivors’ Network and Veritas Justice.
Get a list of events in Brighton & Hove at http://www.safeinthecity.info/16-days-of-action