Kingston Council shows its commitment to ending male violence against women
Kingston Council has taken a stand to end all male violence against women by becoming White Ribbon Accredited.
Commitments made by the Kingston in its White Ribbon action plan include appointing volunteer male ambassadors as advocates to end violence against women and raising awareness of the issue within the local community. The council has also pledged to encourage partner agencies to commit to tackling male violence against women and girls, review existing policies around domestic and sexual violence and roll out bystander training.
Cllr Alison Holt, Sponsor for the Women’s (+Allies) Staff Network at Kingston Council, said:
“We are very proud to receive this accreditation - but this is just the beginning. We will continue increasing the knowledge and skills internally for staff to address violence against women through male ambassadors, working with communities to raise awareness and improve safety for women and girls, and engage with schools and youth settings around preventative work.
“In addition to becoming a White Ribbon Accredited organisation, we are also carrying out a year-long programme of work to address the safety of women and girls in the borough.
“We encourage all men to wear a White Ribbon, and make the promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.”
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.
White Ribbon Day is held on 25 November, and the council will be holding a drop in event on the day, from 2-5pm, when the Kingston Community Safety team, Kingston Police and specialist services will be outside Guildhall to speak to members of the public on the importance of men and boys being part of the conversation to end male violence against women, ensure the voices of women and girls are heard and to highlight the work taking place on a local level to tackle this significant issue. This event will include a formal launch of Kingston as a White Ribbon Council.
Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK said:
“Our call to end violence by raising awareness, educating and campaigning to bring about change is greatly strengthened by working together with our White Ribbon accredited organisations. Our partners are able to engage with many thousands of people to change the cultures that lead to violence against women and girls.
"We are delighted to welcome Kingston Council as one of our White Ribbon Accredited organisations. Together we can prevent violence happening in the first place”.
More than 100 organisations have received White Ribbon accreditation, including councils, police forces, fire and rescue services, health authorities, housing associations, schools and universities. There is also a scheme for smaller organisations to become White Ribbon supporters.
Individuals can join over 37,000 others who have signed the White Ribbon UK pledge and get more information online at whiteribbon.org.uk.