White Ribbon Status

 

Council gains White Ribbon status

St. Helens Council and the Community Safety Partnership have achieved prestigious 'White Ribbon' status.

 

The national award, from the White Ribbon Campaign UK, was bestowed for the ongoing campaign - aimed at men - urging an end to violence against women. Men are encouraged to wear a white ribbon as a statement of their opposition to violence.

 

The status is given to authorities which have demonstrated their commitment to the aims of the campaign by addressing and altering social norms that lead to violent behaviour against women.

 

It is also awarded for involving men in prevention activities, increasing awareness on the issue and providing services aimed at reducing the incidence of domestic violence.

 

St Helens Council's Cabinet Member for Environmental Protection and Safer Communities Councillor Richard McCauley said: "In St Helens there are over 4,000 domestic abuse calls are made to the police every year - which is completely unacceptable.

 

"Although both men and women can be victims - and our Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy service supports both males and females - women are far more likely to suffer multiple incidents of abuse and sexual violence. Around one in four women will be victims of domestic violence in their lifetime."

 

The Director of White Ribbon UK Chris Green presented Council Leader Marie Rimmer with the award during a brief ceremony at St Helens Town Hall.