We’re proud to support 16 Days of Action for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls.
16 Days of Action starts on Friday 25 November marks and is a global campaign, seeking to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world.
The message behind the campaign remains as important as ever.
Consistent evidence from statutory and voluntary agencies across the UK emphasised the increased risk of domestic abuse through the pandemic, and there is national concern that the impact of the cost of living crisis will restrict people’s options.
The start coincides with the UN International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women, and the 16 Days of Action runs until Human Rights Day on Saturday 10 December.
The White Ribbon Campaign
The start of the initiative also marks White Ribbon Day, part of a campaign encouraging community leaders to lead by example.
We’re flying the White Ribbon flag from Hove and Brighton towns halls to show our support for White Ribbon Day.
The White Ribbon Campaign recognises the positive role that men play in preventing violence against women, based on the understanding that most men are not violent.
It is a means for men to speak out against violence and abuse and to safely challenge the attitudes and behaviour of a minority of men who use or condone violence against women.
Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK, said: “This year, White Ribbon Day is focusing on the attitudes and behaviours men and boys can adopt to move away from associations to violent and abusive behaviour.
“Men and boys are now expecting better from their colleagues, friends, and family to ensure women and girls are safe.”
Following agreement at the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture committee last November, we’re restating our commitment to supporting the White Ribbon Campaign and are starting the process of reapplying for Brighton & Hove City Council’s White Ribbon Accreditation.
This involves the development of a 3-year action plan, focused on strategic leadership, engaging men and boys, raising awareness and changing culture.
It is important to involve men and boys as ambassadors in addressing and altering social norms which lead to violent behaviour against women and girls.
You can show your support for the campaign all year round by making the promise never to commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women and girls in all forms by wearing a white ribbon on the day.
Getting help
If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic or sexual abuse or violence, visit our help with domestic abuse page for advice on where to get support.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.
If you need to, you can use the ‘silent solution’ - an automated service meaning that if you ring 999 and the operator hears no response, you will be directed to press ‘55’ if you need help.
The conversation will then continue in a way that allows the caller to communicate by using yes/no to answer questions.
You are not alone
Councillor Steph Powell, Co-chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture committee said:
“We’ve seen a shocking rise of national domestic abuse reports over the last few years and it’s a huge concern that the cost of living crisis will continue that terrible impact on increasing violence against women and girls.
“It’s time for everyone to get behind the message ending violence against women and girls.
“We’re proud to be reapplying for White Ribbon Accreditation as part of our commitment to the campaign to end all violence against women and girls.
“It’s crucial for men to speak out against violence and abuse and challenge the attitudes and behaviour of a minority of men who use or condone violence against women.
“Domestic violence can affect any gender, any age, and any type of relationship. For anyone experiencing domestic or sexual violence, stalking or abuse in any form, please remember that you are not alone. Help and support is available. Abuse is a crime and it is not your fault.
“In Brighton & Hove, we do not tolerate violence, abuse or hate in any form.”