East Cambridgeshire District Council has become officially committed to working to end men’s violence against women by becoming White Ribbon Accredited.

As an accredited organisation, the Council is developing and delivering a comprehensive action plan to change the cultures that lead to abuse and violence and promote gender equality. 

Some of the actions that will be taken include continuing to offer support to women who are victims of domestic abuse, the development of a Domestic and Sexual Violence Policy for employees, working with the Community Safety Partnership to carry the message out to more men, and a commitment to continue to raise awareness within the district.

Councillor Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “At East Cambridgeshire District Council we are proud to wear the White Ribbon.

“Domestic abuse and violence against women is unacceptable. Our housing and communities team regularly sees first-hand the devastating impact this has on the lives of so many people. Not only women, but their children and their families and friends too.

“We are here to offer practical and emotional support. I would encourage anyone who needs help to attend a one to one drop in session available at our Council offices or to visit our Community Bus. There is also lots of information on what to do if you suffer from domestic abuse and how to report incidents on our website https://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/community-safety/domestic-abuse

“Alongside this we will be continuing our work with the Community Safety Partnership to proactively raise awareness and educate people around the issues of domestic abuse and how we can work together to stamp it out.”

White Ribbon is a global campaign that encourages people, and especially men and boys, to individually and collectively take action and change the behaviour and culture that leads to abuse and violence. To wear a white ribbon is to promise never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK said, “White Ribbon Accredited organisations are able to make a real difference towards ending violence against women by promoting a culture of respect and equality, among their staff and wider communities.  By raising awareness, people can learn how to become allies and call out violent and abusive behaviour when they see it, at work and in the wider community.  We are delighted to welcome East Cambridgeshire District Council as one of our White Ribbon Accredited organisations and are looking forward to working with them towards ending violence against women once and for all.”