Council seeks White Ribbon accreditation in commitment to ending violence against women and girls
City of York Council has applied to achieve White Ribbon accreditation, as part of the White Ribbon Day on the 25th November, the start of 16 days of action to end male violence against women and girls.
The White Ribbon Campaign works to engage men in speaking out about violence against women and girls, to challenge gender stereotypes underpinning such violence and to challenge cultures that lead to harassment, abuse and violence against women.
The accreditation demonstrates a commitment to address the serious issue of male violence against women across the city. Council’s White Ribbon accreditation plan will support an inclusive strategic approach to addressing violence against women and girls locally. The development and implementation of the White Ribbon action plan will be overseen by the White Ribbon steering group, which will feature members of the York Domestic Abuse Local Partnership.
Councillor Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, commented:
“Most recently the shocking prevalence of male violence against women has been brought into sharp focus across the country. The issues which lead to violence are often systemic. Misogynistic attitudes are unfortunately still present throughout our society, through the media, workplaces, politics and services.
“The Council is proud to take a stance against all violence, whoever the victim, and lead the call for men and boys to understand that violence against women in whatever form is absolutely wrong.
“Achieving White Ribbon accreditation as an organisation will further demonstrate that we are best placed to work with our partners to help end violence against women. Council staff continue to work tirelessly for our residents, and this accreditation will demonstrate the skills and knowledge of our workforce in addressing domestic abuse in our communities.
“I would urge residents to join the White Ribbon Campaign and work to tackle this appalling scourge of violence that persists in our country and around the world.”