Southampton City Council stands against violence targeting women and girls by supporting White Ribbon Day

Senior leaders from Southampton City Council have launched 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, starting with White Ribbon Day on Saturday 25 November 2023

White Ribbon Day is an international campaign dedicated to raising awareness about and taking action to prevent violence against women and girls. It serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.

The Sheriff of Southampton, Councillor David Shields, was today joined by Cabinet Member for Safer City, Councillor Matt Renyard, Chair of Safe City Partnership, Rob Henderson, and Head of Stronger Communities, Chris Brown, as the White Ribbon Day flag was raised outside Southampton Civic Centre.

The men are pictured wearing white ribbons: a symbol of men’s commitment to ending violence against women, with men pledging to be part of the solution to this problem.

During this year’s White Ribbon Day campaign, individuals and organisations are encouraged to make consistent choices and actions to #ChangeTheStory for women and girls, so that they may live their lives free from the fear of violence. Even the smallest action, such as being an ally with women every day, can affect big change.

As part of the 16 days of activism, Southampton City Council will be:

• Highlighting its work with partner organisations, including the Hampton Trust, to deliver training to frontline workers to help address abusive behaviour
• Attending Southampton FC’s fixture with Bristol City, to meet fans and share information about the White Ribbon Day ethos
• Working with council staff to ensure they are better informed about addressing gender-based violence and being allies
• Celebrating achievements which have seen the council benchmarked against national housing standards for supporting victims of domestic abuse

If you are experiencing abuse or are hurting someone you love, you can find advice and support.

The Prevention, Intervention and Public Protection Alliance (PIPPA) offers support to women, men, children, young people, and families via its helpline on 023 8091 7917. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (open 24 hours).

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.

The Sheriff of Southampton, Councillor David Shields, said:

“White Ribbon Day provides an opportunity for people be more aware of their own behaviours and attitudes and call out harmful or inappropriate behaviour when they see it. I am proud to raise the White Ribbon flag and hope that over the next 16 days it will serve as a reminder of the role we must all play in making women and girls feel safe in our city.”

Cabinet Member for Safer City, Councillor Matt Renyard, said:

"Keeping people safe from harm is one of three key priorities for the Safe City Partnership. A joint domestic abuse and violence against women and girls’ strategy has recently been developed to tackle gender-based violence and to support the victims and survivors of violence and abuse, showing our commitment to this national issue. As major partner in delivering the city’s response, we work closely with other agencies and communities to help people access the appropriate support services. I very much hope that men and boys in Southampton will take the White Ribbon pledge this year and be part of the solution to this widespread issue.”