Published Wednesday 25 November 2015 at 10:30
Major public organisations across Blackburn with Darwen have united in pledging to tackle domestic violence against women.
Earlier today (Wednesday 25 November) Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Lancashire Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner, Lancashire Fire and Rescue, and the national charity Changing Lives and all its valued partners signed up to continued support for the White Ribbon campaign.
Supporting the campaign involves wearing a white ribbon – as a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
The borough was first awarded White Ribbon status to make a firm stand against domestic violence in 2013.
Councillor Pat McFall Chair of the Domestic Abuse Strategic Board said: “This campaign will help guide people who are experiencing domestic abuse to safe and appropriate support.
“It’s also important to point out that while more often violence is against women, we must not forget men are victims too and we should all do what we can to give domestic violence the red card.”
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “By wearing a White Ribbon, we are demonstrating that here in Lancashire we will not condone or stay silent about violence against women.
“I hope today’s pledges are just the start. I have pledged to make tackling domestic abuse a priority in my Police and Crime Plan, and I want organisations across Lancashire to join me in stating their commitment to ending domestic violence.”
Detective Superintendent Ian Critchley from Lancashire Constabulary, said: “Domestic abuse is still largely a hidden crime which happens behind closed doors and which can affect anyone, regardless of social background, age, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnic background.
“We want victims to be aware of the help and support that is available from both the police and partner agencies and we want to encourage earlier reporting of domestic abuse and for people not to suffer in silence.
“Taking part in the White Ribbon campaign shows how seriously we take domestic abuse and our commitment to dealing with it.
“Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and I would encourage everyone, especially men to wear one to show their support.”
The White Ribbon Campaign helps to address attitudes towards violence, before they become deeply ingrained.
Increasing the public’s knowledge and understanding of domestic violence will help to guide people who are experiencing domestic abuse to safe and appropriate support.
The White Ribbon Campaign is aimed at men, but women can also support the campaign by choosing to wear a ribbon.
Paul Brannigan from White Ribbon said: “Engaging men and boys in making the pledge taps into a fantastic resource to reduce violence towards women.
“Raising awareness and understanding of the unacceptability of domestic violence can also act as a way to enable greater support for people who have suffered from domestic violence, as they are more likely to disclose it to family, friends or neighbours.
Individuals can also pledge their support for the campaign. Each year, men and boys are urged to wear a ribbon for either one or two weeks, starting on 25 November – the International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women.
For more details about the campaign visit: www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk.
Show your support for the White Ribbon Day by following @menantiviolence on Twitter or like their facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/whiteribboncampaign