Cambridge City Council retians White Ribbon status to signify commitment against domestic abuse
The council said the rise of domestic abuse during the pandemic showed that much more needs to be done to end male violence against women
Pictured above: Domestic violence has increased during the pandemic. (Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire).
Cambridge City Council has retained an accreditation that signifies its commitment to ending domestic abuse.
The council first gained ‘White Ribbon status’ in 2015. The White Ribbon Campaign works to engage men in speaking out about violence against women and girls, to challenge gender stereotypes underpinning such violence, and to challenge cultures that lead to harassment, abuse and violence against women.
To get the accreditation, the council ensures there are adequate support and housing services for women and children fleeing domestic abuse; implements domestic abuse training for council staff; and ensures there are HR policies in place that cover violence against women.
It also appointed male White Ribbon ambassadors to raise awareness of the campaign and help other men and boys challenge violence against women and girls, and holds other awareness-raising events.
Cllr Nicky Massey, executive councillor for transport and community safety, who also chairs the Cambridge Community Forum on Domestic and Sexual Violence/Abuse, said: “I’m very pleased that the council has retained its White Ribbon accreditation which helps us to challenge male violence, reiterate how unacceptable it is and appeal to men to do more to challenge it.
“The fact that cases of domestic abuse have risen during the pandemic, and last week’s shocking news about Sarah Everard, show that so much more needs to be done to end male violence against women.
“I would urge all men and women to look into the White Ribbon Campaign and to really do more to tackle this appalling scourge of violence that persists in our country and around the world.”
Ms Everard was a woman who disappeared from South London and was subsequently found dead.
Her death and subsequent arrest of a Metropolitan Police officer on suspicion of murder has sparked protests and discussions about male violence against women.
The council’s housing service also does other work to support domestic abuse victims, such as barring perpetrators from its housing register, supporting staff to find evidence required to pursue enforcement action against perpetrators, and signposting legal services for survivors.
See the latest news, information, conversations and much more, all tailored to your neighbourhood, in your InYourArea live feed here.
