Today - Thursday 25th November - marks White Ribbon Day. On this date, and the 16 days that follow, the White Ribbon charity ask everyone in their communities, organisations and workplaces to come together and say ‘no’ to violence against women.

White Ribbon is the leading charity committed to ending violence against women by engaging with men and boys to make a stand against violence. Their mission is for all men to fulfil the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. This year, the charity’s leading message is #AllMenCan and came from the devastating murder of Sarah Everard. This shocking event brought women’s experience of men’s violence to the forefront of everyone’s minds, and it also opened up many conversations about men taking action and making a stand.

Almost one in three women aged 16-59 will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime, and two women a week are killed by a current or former partner. Having previously managed domestic abuse services, I have experienced first-hand the devastating affect this can have on both women and children.

Whilst the purpose of White Ribbon Day is to raise awareness of male violence against women, it is important to note that anyone can be a victim or perpetrator of domestic abuse, regardless of their gender.

If anyone would like any support or signposting around these issues, I am always more than happy to help. There are also some resources below which you may find useful:

• Freephone Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
• https://www.refuge.org.uk/
• https://www.womensaid.org.uk/
• https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/

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