PEOPLE IN SUNDERLAND AND ACROSS THE WORLD are being urged to support White Ribbon Day (Wednesday 25 November).
It is held annually to raise awareness of the international campaign to end men’s violence against women, with everyone but particularly men and boys invited to wear a ribbon for one or two weeks starting on November 25.
The date is also globally recognised as the International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women
All those present at a full council meeting of Sunderland City Council tomorrowwhich begins at 6pm, will be invited to wear one of the white ribbons made available. They help symbolise a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Chair of the Safer Sunderland Partnership, Councillor Harry Trueman added: “Domestic violence and abusive relationships create problems around the world.
“Wearing the White Ribbon is a good way of showing our support and reminding people who are perhaps reluctant to come forward that help and support is there if they need it. We are concerned about all forms of violence but support the White Ribbon Campaign’s focus on men’s violence against women.
“We know from the British Crime Survey that the result of men’s violence is five times as likely to require medical attention. Women are four times as likely as men to fear for their lives, and three and a half times more likely to be murdered by a male spouse than vice versa.”
Councillor Trueman added: “We all need to keep working together to strengthen the support framework we already have in place, to help all those individuals, families and communities affected.
“Tackling domestic abuse is everybody’s business.”
The Safer Sunderland Partnership’s work with other agencies in the city has created a network of services and facilities designed to help combat domestic violence and abuse.
This system includes a specialist domestic violence court, multi-agency risk assessment conferences and independent domestic violence advisors to reduce repeat victimisation, and help safeguard individuals and families most at risk and ensure more offenders are brought to justice.
The work of Wearside Women In Need within the Partnership also helps victims of domestic violence by providing three refuges, a 24 hour helpline plus outreach and resettlement support. They can be contacted 24/7 on 0800 066 5555.
