East Lothian Councillors have pledged their support and commitment to end violence against women and girls as part of White Ribbon Day 2022.
As a social worker myself, I am acutely aware of the magnitude of this issue. It’s important to remember that change is possible, and worth working towards
White Ribbon Day is a widely recognised global movement. In the UK, it is spearheaded by the charity, White Ribbon UK. Their mission is to prevent violence against women and girls by addressing its root causes. They aim to do this through changing long established, and harmful, attitudes, systems and behaviours around masculinity that perpetuate gender inequality and men’s violence against women.
Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK, shares: “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 everyone to wear a White Ribbon and make the White Ribbon Promise, never to use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women.”
Cost of Living
Domestic abuse, emotional torment, intimidation, psychological and controlling behaviour is more and more prevalent in society. Women’s Aid UK’s research found that two thirds (66%) of survivors said their abusers are using the cost of living increase and concerns about financial hardship as a tool for coercive control (2022).
While these are national statistics, there are women and children within our own county borders who are on the receiving end of physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse. Although more women are coming forward seeking help, there are dozens more who continue to suffer in silence.
East Lothian Council Leader Councillor Norman Hampshire comments: “It is inexcusable that the level of violence targeted towards women and children not only exists in society today but is now escalating.
“As part of the 16 Days of Activism, I stand today with my fellow elected members and council officials to sign the White Ribbon Pledge and show our own commitment to ending violence against women and girls. All men are not part of the problem, but all men do have a role to play in being part of the solution.”
Raising awareness
Cabinet member for Community Wellbeing Councillor Colin McGinn adds: “Raising awareness of these issues, educating children and teens from a young age, and providing ways and means to support women and children out of abusive situations is of paramount importance.
“As a social worker myself, I am acutely aware of the magnitude of this issue. However, I’m also mindful of the incredible work that is being done across East Lothian by health and social work teams, and charitable organisations providing help and support to women and children to break away from abusive situations. I also support the work being carried out to support men to make positive changes in their approach to intimate relationships. It’s important to remember that change is possible, and worth working towards.”
Falling on the same week as the launch of FIFA men’s World Cup, White Ribbon UK shares that there has never a better time for everyone to focus on the good that can come from unifying and supporting one common cause. Their campaign slogan, #TheGoal aims to brings men and boys together to think about how they can make a positive difference to achieve equality and safety for women and girls.
You too can make a commitment by making the White Ribbon Promise never to use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women at whiteribbon.org.uk/promise