We are supporting a national campaign which aims to change attitudes and raise awareness of domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse is not just physical violence. It can by psychological, emotional, sexual, financial or coercive behaviour and anyone can experience domestic abuse.
In Medway, there are lots of services which can support all residents who have experienced domestic abuse including safe accommodation and legal aid.
The White Ribbon charity specifically aims to change long established and harmful attitudes around masculinity which contributes to violence against women and girls.
They hold an annual day of awareness, White Ribbon Day, which encourages people to make a promise never to use, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.
This year, we will be marking White Ribbon Day on Friday, 25 November, by hosting a stall in the Pentagon Shopping Centre in Chatham to raise awareness of the campaign and encourage residents to make the pledge.
A range of council officers will be manning the stall between 10am and 4pm on Friday, 25 November and providing advice and information about local services which support victims of domestic abuse.
This year White Ribbon Day falls during the same week as the start of the FIFA World Cup. Sadly, reports of domestic abuse often go up during major football events.
You are not alone
Cllr David Brake, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Services, said: “There is no place for domestic abuse in Medway and I am pleased that we are raising awareness of such an important topic. We provide specialist advice to victims as well as support to help them get back on their feet. There has never been a better time for everyone to work together as a team to end abuse. I would encourage anyone who is experiencing abuse to access the support available. You are not alone.”
White Ribbon Day and the FIFA men's World Cup
Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK, said: “This year, White Ribbon Day is focusing on the attitudes and behaviours men and boys can adopt to move away from associations to violent and abusive behaviour. Men and boys are now expecting better from their colleagues, friends, and family to ensure women and girls are safe. We are inviting you to wear a White Ribbon and make the White Ribbon Promise, never to use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women. This year, White Ribbon Day falls on the same week as the launch of the FIFA men’s World Cup. There is never a better time for us to focus on the good that can come from unifying and supporting one common cause. #TheGoal does just that, it brings men and boys together to think about how they can make a positive difference to achieve equality and safety for women and girls.”
Find out more about the support available in Medway.
Learn more about White Ribbon UK.