Plan to Make Violence Against Women a Thing of the Past

An action plan to tackle male violence against women will be outlined to councillors next week in the run-up to White Ribbon Day.

White Ribbon UK is the leading charity working to end male violence against women with a programme of awareness raising and campaigning and with a particular focus on the need to engage with men and boys.

Earlier this year the Council received White Ribbon accreditation when it pledged to deliver a comprehensive action plan to change the cultures that lead to abuse and violence and promote gender equality.

A report to Borough Council highlights that the action plan focuses on three main criteria: strategic leadership, engaging men and boys and changing culture.

A number of men within the Council have already agreed to be White Ribbon Ambassadors while a number of women have taken on the role of White Ribbon champions, playing an essential role in encouraging men to get involved by finding opportunities to inspire and inform through presentations and conversations.

Councillor Anne Hetherington, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence, said: "Our Domestic Abuse Partnership recognises that domestic abuse is a societal issue, it effects both men and women.

"However, male violence against women in our society is shockingly prevalent, and we can only change those cultures that give rise to it by promoting a message of respect and tolerance and leading by example.

"It is only by working together in partnership as communities, services and agencies that we can seek to prevent domestic abuse and create a zero tolerance of domestic abuse in society."

Members will be told that this year's White Ribbon Day falls on the same week as the start of the FIFA men's World Cup. This year's campaign for White Ribbon Day will focus on the good that can come from unifying and supporting one common cause - #TheGoal.

This will seek to bring men and boys together to think about how they can make a positive difference to achieve equality and safety for women and girls.