City leaders have made a pledge to end male violence against women, and residents are encouraged to do the same on White Ribbon Day (Monday 25 November).
Marked annually around the world, White Ribbon Day is a global initiative to end male violence against women and calls on men to take action to make a difference.
The day marks an opportunity to raise awareness, speak out and say “no” to violence against women. People can get involved in the White Ribbon campaign by wearing a white ribbon, and signing a promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.
Portsmouth City Council is a White Ribbon accredited organisation which means it has made a commitment to ending violence and harassment against women in Portsmouth communities. As a council we continue to work both internally and externally to ensure that women and girls feel safe, happy and healthy in the city. The council is developing a comprehensive action plan to change the cultures that lead to abuse and violence and promote gender equality.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of the council said:
“As a White Ribbon accredited organisation, the council will continue to work to change cultures that promote and lead to violence and support the work we are doing to end violence against women and girls.
“We can all play our part in supporting White Ribbon Day, whether that be at work, school, or home; you can help raise awareness and be prepared to call out violence or abusive behaviour when you see it.
“I would like to encourage men and boys in Portsmouth to make the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women and girls.”
Natalie Brahma-Pearl, Chief Executive of Portsmouth City Council said:
“It is important to us as an organisation that we continue to work to prevent violence against women and girls, and change the long-established and harmful attitudes, systems and behaviours around masculinity.
“We must address the attitudes and behaviours and affect positive behaviour change to transform harmful cultures.
“I urge you to make the White Ribbon Promise.”
Various leaders and community members from across Portsmouth have signed the White Ribbon Promise and wear the White Ribbon to show their commitment to the campaign.
Portsmouth residents can show their support by wearing a White Ribbon and making the Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. Men are specifically encouraged to make the Promise but anyone aged 14+ can do so.
You can make the Promise here: www.whiteribbon.org.uk/promise
If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing domestic abuse and need support, please contact Stop Domestic Abuse on 023 9206 5494 or portsmouthreferral@stopdomesticabuse.uk.
In an emergency always call 999. To report an incident, call the Police on 101 or visit www.hampshire.police.uk
Under embargo until Monday 25 November:
To coincide with White Ribbon Day a new online hub to support people experiencing violence, and their friends and family launches today (Monday 25 November). It can also help people who think they’re at risk of abusing their partner or becoming violent. Find the Safer Together Hub at www.safertogetherhants.co.uk