Men urged to make a stand against domestic violence
![Ribbonforweb](/media/11886/ribbonforweb_202x320.jpg)
St.Helens men are
being challenged to stand up and be counted in a bid to end
domestic violence against women
St.Helens Council
has teamed up with Saints star Paul Wellens to highlight the issue
in the run up to this year's White Ribbon Day - Sunday 25
November.
A week of action is
planned locally (19 to 25 November), entitled 'Seven Days - Seven
Ways You Can Make a Change'.
One of the easiest
ways men can make a difference is by signing this year's online
pledge (www.sthelens.gov.uk/whiteribbon
). Those signing the pledge will
be in with a chance of winning Saints' skipper Paul's 2012 shirt -
signed and framed.
White Ribbon Day is
organised by the White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) - the UK branch of the
global campaign to ensure men take more responsibility for reducing
the level of violence against women. Men show their support by
wearing the white ribbon.
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."
As part of the
week-long campaign, the council's Youth Service is also hosting a
Youth Domestic Violence Conference at St.Helens Town Hall -
exploring the impact of abuse in teenage relationships. The event
includes drama productions, workshops and an educational DVD for
schools.
Other organisations
and companies are also highlighting the issue with their own
events. The Arena/Your Housing Group is staging 'Walk a Mile in her
Shoes' - involving volunteers walking in heels from St.Helens Town
Hall to ASDA on 22 November.
ASDA is also
providing £200 worth of funding from the ASDA Foundation, to buy
mobile phones for victims of domestic violence. The potentially
lifesaving devices were selected following a public vote as part of
the ASDA Foundation's Chosen by you...Given by us
programme.
Support the
campaign - how men can make a difference
-
-
Lead by example -
question your own attitudes and
behaviour.
-
Be a role model -
challenge men and young men in your life to make a
difference.
-
Wear a white ribbon
- show your support for National White Ribbon Day on Sunday 25
November 2012.
-
Trust your gut -
don't ignore it, report it. Call Merseyside Police on 101 (or 999
in an emergency).
-
Speak out - if you
know a woman who is being domestically abused let her know you are
concerned and want to help.
-
Respect women - if
you've ever been violent towards a woman, call the Respect helpline
on 0808 802 4040.
For help and
support for women and men - contact the Independent Domestic
Violence Advocacy on 01744 743200.