Men asked to pledge support for White Ribbon campaign

Monday, 20 November 2023 15:45

By David Murphy

Councillor Janet Emsley, Rochdale Borough Council’s joint deputy leader and cabinet member for equity, safety and reform

Rochdale Borough Council and partners have again pledged their support for the White Ribbon Campaign, which aims to put a stop to male violence and abuse against women and girls, and are asking residents to do the same.

White Ribbon Day takes place on 25 November and is followed by 16 days of action against gender-based violence.

In 2016 the council gained White Ribbon status for its commitment to supporting the aims of the global campaign that puts men at the forefront of making a positive contribution to end male violence and abuse against women.

Men are asked to wear a white ribbon and pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence and abuse against women and girls.

During the 16-day campaign, the council and partners will be raising awareness across the borough of what domestic abuse is, how to report it and what support is available.

The events include; domestic abuse awareness sessions across the borough and courses for frontline staff working with families and couples. Information stalls will be available on Thursday 23 November at Rochdale Exchange shopping centre and Friday 24 November at Middleton shopping centre. Men can pledge their support at one of the many pledge boxes around the borough and the Women’s Welfare organisation will again deliver White Ribbon awareness sessions to boys in Falinge Park and Matthew Moss schools. A White Ribbon football match at the Soccer Factory will be held again and so will the White Ribbon Vigil to honour the many women across the UK who have died as a result of domestic violence.

Councillor Janet Emsley, Rochdale Borough Council’s joint deputy leader and cabinet member for equity, safety and reform, said: “Everyone has a crucial role to play in creating a culture where male violence, abuse and harassment against women is unacceptable. We want our residents to take a stand against gender violence and share this important message across their workplaces, schools, communities and families, so we can put a stop to this abuse.

“Unfortunately, this type of abuse is still happening in our borough and for victims, it can be an extremely scary and lonely experience, I want to assure women that support and services are available to help you stay safe. Domestic abuse and violence is an issue 365 days of the year, but we all must take this time to acknowledge the issue and to pledge to take action.”

Although the campaign focusses on male violence and abuse against women, support is also available for male victims of domestic abuse in the borough of Rochdale.

To find out more about the White Ribbon campaign visit rochdale.gov.uk/whiteribbon

Confidential advice and support for all victims and people affected by domestic abuse are available from:

SafeNet Domestic Abuse and Support Services - www.safenet.org.uk or 0300 3033 581

Victim Support - rochdale@victimsupport.org.uk or 0161 507 9609.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.
Culture Co-op secures £1 million to give Rochdale residents more say over arts and creativity

Rochdale’s Culture Co-op has been awarded £1 million to put local people at the heart of cultural decision-making, as part of a £42 million national programme run by Arts Council England.
Hollin pupils turn happiness into poetry during magical session in Middleton

Middleton Library plays host to spellbinding session with Rochdale’s poet laureate Sammy Weaver
Waugh presses government to ensure grooming inquiry tackles race and class ‘head on’

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh says national grooming inquiry must win survivors’ trust and 'follow the evidence wherever it leads’
Goodbye garlic bread? Sandbrook Park Pizza Hut to shut as 68 UK branches axed

Rochdale’s Pizza Hut restaurant is among dozens of UK branches set to permanently shut, after the company that operated the brand in the UK fell into administration.