Stockport Council marks White Ribbon Day and commits to action on ending male violence against women

Stockport Council will play an active role in marking White Ribbon Day on 25th November, with elected members committing to ending male violence against women.

The commemoration of the day is part of the Council’s work towards achieving White Ribbon accreditation and part of the council’s wider domestic abuse agenda, which looks to end all forms of domestic violence. White Ribbon UK are a leading organisation that encourage males to take the lead to eradicate male violence against women.

Ahead of White Ribbon Day, Councillors and council staff have been taking the White Ribbon Promise, to ‘never commit, excuse or stay silent about male violence against women’. This means that Stockport Council now has several high-profile male ambassadors, including the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Tom McGee and Deputy Chief Executive Michael Cullen, along with female champions including Leader of the Council Councillor Elise Wilson, Councillor Amanda Peers, Cabinet Member for Inclusive neighbourhoods, and Chief Executive Pam Smith.  

Cllr Amanda Peers said:

“I’m extremely pleased to lead on this critical matter in my capacity as Cabinet Member for Inclusive Neighbourhoods. As someone with lived experience of domestic violence and abuse and having worked directly with many other women in the same position, I can’t say enough about the importance of the need to change male views, attitudes and behaviours that contribute and often fuel violence against women.”

“I’m delighted that the council are so committed to this very important cause, to achieve support across the full council and to see so many Council Members and staff making the commitment to the White Ribbon promise. I would also like to encourage the fantastic third sector network of organisations, community groups, and charities to get involved, to raise awareness of the campaign and to show their support for the Eradication of Male Violence against Women across the borough.”

“The increase in domestic violence has been felt in Stockport and Greater Manchester following the pandemic, with 36% of violent crimes reported to Greater Manchester Police entailing domestic abuse. There’s never been a more important time to recognise the work of White Ribbon, and Stockport Council is already doing some great work towards reducing domestic abuse in the borough. It’s part of our commitment to building strong and supportive communities under the One Stockport Borough Plan.”

With the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by charity Refuge, reporting a 61% increase in calls from April 2020 – February 2021, it’s clear that the pandemic has increased issues of domestic violence. Seeking the White Ribbon accreditation is part of the council’s strategic commitment to offer appropriate support to all victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse. 

To support White Ribbon Day, the council is also encouraging communities, businesses and organisations across the borough of Stockport to display posters and white ribbons in support of the cause. The posters can be downloaded online. 

The council is also participating in 16 days of action following White Ribbon Day, with staff taking part in internal training sessions including honour-based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM), and forced-marriage awareness so staff can pass on their learning and knowledge to help Stockport residents. The council will also be supporting and working with third sector organisations, who work all year round to address issues relating to domestic violence, with events and initiatives that may be taking place.