East Riding of Yorkshire Council promotes White Ribbon campaign to spread awareness of everyone's role, including men, in combating violence against women and girls.

East Riding of Yorkshire council is a white ribbon accredited organisation and aims to actively raise awareness throughout the year, to eliminate violence against women and girls

This week marks White Ribbon Day 2024 and the theme is ‘it starts with men’, encouraging men to play an active role in stopping violence before it starts, by recognising and calling out attitudes, language and behaviours that are harmful, sexist and perpetuate gender inequality

East Riding of Yorkshire council, through funding from the East Riding Community Safety Partnership, has produced promotional material to raise awareness of the White Ribbon campaign. White Ribbon banners feature across council leisure centres, Bridlington Spa, Beverley Football club, and on housing maintenance vans. Promotional materials feature QR codes that link to further information about White Ribbon.

The council is also providing ‘active bystander’ training, to teach council employees, other organisations and community groups, how they can safely call out harmful attitudes and behaviours and help change cultures in the East Riding to prevent violence against women and girls.

Additionally, as part of the White Ribbon campaign, East Riding council supported a vigil held by Bridlington Women’s Institute on Monday 25 November. The vigil commemorated the victims of violence against women and girls, and to demand ‘no more.’

Councillor Lyn Healing, cabinet member for communities and public protection said “Violence against women and girls is appalling. It’s vital that men step up and take action to curb the toxic attitudes and behaviours that lead to violence. We’re proud to be White Ribbon accredited and play our part in helping to change attitudes.”

More information on the White Ribbon campaign can be found at https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/

If you are experiencing issues around this topic please reach out. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 999 otherwise:

For support for anyone experiencing domestic violence or abuse, or wanting to change their harmful behaviours towards others in their relationships: East Riding Domestic Violence and Abuse Partnership can be found at https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/living/crime-and-community-safety/domestic-abuse/ or by calling 01482 396 358

You can report any VAWG crimes, sexual assault, harassment, stalking, or other VAWG related offences, to Humberside Police: Online Reporting: Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Humberside Police

For more information about the bystander training, or how to organise for your organisation or group, please contact lisa.clappison@eastriding.gov.uk