Line up against violence towards women
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Campaigners across Newcastle are joining together to make a stand against violence towards women.
25 November is White Ribbon Day, also known as International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Men and women across Newcastle are invited to join an event at the Civic Centre Banqueting Suite to show their support and men can sign a pledge to never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
Research shows that one in three women in the UK will experience some form of abuse at the hands of their partner or family member at some point in their life.
Lesley Storey, Safe Newcastle’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Coordinator said: “Whilst no form of domestic violence is acceptable, White Ribbon Day pays special attention to men's violence against women. We know that domestic violence is an issue in Newcastle. Last year, Northumbria Police recorded 2,400 female victims of domestic violence in Newcastle with the majority of these incidents committed by their current or ex, husband or boyfriend. Recent research in the Northumbria Police force area found that male violence against women is more likely to be repeated and gets more frequent and more extreme over time, making the victims extremely fearful.”
To mark White Ribbon Day, Safe Newcastle, in partnership with Norcare, is hosting an arts project called the Clothesline Project, consisting of a display of t-shirts decorated with messages about ending violence against women.
Kate McNulty, creator of the Clothesline Project, said: “Since laundry is typically considered as women’s work and women often chat over the garden fence while hanging out their clothes to dry, we are using the clothesline as a way of being able to tell their stories of survival and to commemorate victims who have died from domestic violence. “
Cllr Anita Lower, Chair of Safe Newcastle and Deputy Leader of the City Council said: “The White Ribbon Campaign has become the largest worldwide effort of men working to end men's violence against women, with the wearing of a white ribbon as a symbol of men's opposition to men's violence against women. This day is not just about raising awareness, but celebrating women’s strength to survive and to provide that avenue to break the silence that surrounds the issue. So come along, decorate a T-shirt, hang it on our line and show that you are against violence towards women.”
To coincide with White Ribbon Day, the Department of Health are releasing their domestic violence campaign. Aimed at raising awareness amongst health professionals and the public around the issues of violence against women and children (VAMC), and the need to provide victims with information that helps them access VAMC services quickly.
