We're leading on a domestic abuse campaign
Our colleagues will raise awareness of male violence against women this month, with a series of White Ribbon events.
White Ribbon is a global campaign that encourages people to take action on changing the behaviour and culture that leads to abuse. To wear a white ribbon is a promise to never to commit, excuse, or remain silent about male violence against women.
This year it falls on the same week as the launch of the FIFA men’s World Cup. Research published by Lancaster University found that domestic abuse rose by 38% when England lost a game, with local Police forces also reporting an increase.
We are hosting a number of events to raise awareness of what domestic abuse is, how to report it, looking out for the signs, sharing resources and asking people to sign up to White Ribbon.
The first event is on Wednesday 23 November at our commercial office on Northampton Road, Scunthorpe from which Hales and Coultas and Ashbridge Roofing operate from.
Other events will be held at both of our offices in Scunthorpe, focussed around colleagues. The Viking Centre in Barton upon Humber will then be hosting a tea and talk for the public to attend on Friday 25 November at 11am.
On Wednesday 30 November, The Arc community centre in Scunthorpe are holding a community safety event from 10am which the whole community is invited to. There will be raffle prizes, coffee, cake and partner agencies including Humberside Police in attendance.
They are also working with Scunthorpe United football club and Iron Trust to sign up and raise awareness.
Scot Maxwell, Manager at the Iron Trust commented: “We are all responsible for standing against violence towards women and girls. By partnering with the club and with our long standing partner Ongo, we can reach many people who might not have otherwise known about the campaign.
“We are always here to support both men and women who are survivors through our various wellbeing programmes.”
Paul Grimley, Community Resolution Team Leader here at Ongo and White Ribbon Ambassador said: “We are incredibly proud to be signed up to White Ribbon and are committed to making a difference in any way we can.
“Raising awareness with events like this is so important within our organisation and out in the wider community.
“Unfortunately domestic violence and male led violence towards women and girls never goes away, but does seem to increase during football tournaments, so now more than ever it’s vital for us to show our support.”
To join over 37,000 others who have signed the White Ribbon UK pledge, or for more information, follow White Ribbon UK on twitter: @WhiteRibbon_UK or go to www.whiteribbon.org.uk.
For more information about us, check out our website.