And during the 16 days that follow key local figures will speak out to end gender-based violence, while the Steve Prescott Bridge will join illuminated landmarks across the globe to ‘Orange the World’ supporting a call for global action by the United Nations.
The awareness day comes after a dramatic increase in domestic violence cases, especially towards women, intensified by Covid-19 lockdown measures.
Council Leader David Baines said: “We must end violence against women and girls, it is as simple as that. I sincerely believe that this begins at home; we need to instil in our children and our families respect and kindness to all people.
“And as an employer and a leading authority in the community safety partnership, we make great strides to uphold these values within our organisation and foster them across the borough too. Please join us in pledging never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.”
Councillor Jeanie Bell, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities, said: “Gender-based violence is everyone’s business. We cannot allow it to happen and to happen in silence. My priority since coming into post has been to raise awareness and tackle the very real problem of domestic abuse, which disproportionately affects women and girls.
“Prevention is absolutely key, but there is also great value in listening to survivors through our new Survivors’ Forum, and in encouraging open and honest conversations about violence against women, to bring about meaningful and lasting change.”
Get involved by:
- Encouraging family, friends and co-workers to wear a white ribbon on Thursday 25 November.
- Be active on social media follow us and spread the word using #WhiteRibbon #AllMenCan #MakeThePromise
And find out how you can make a difference over the next 16 days: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/day
https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/take-action/16-days-of-activism
