Thursday 25 November is White Ribbon Day – the largest global initiative to end male violence against women by calling on men to take action to make a difference.
The day also marks the start of the ’16 days to end violence against women campaign. The ’16 Days of Activism’ will run from 25 November, UN International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.
In Sutton, there are a number of activities taking place across the borough to mark White Ribbon Day, and throughout the 16 days of Activism.
Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council, said: “Sutton Council is committed to working to ending male violence against women, and is working towards official White Ribbon Accreditation. As a community, it is vital that men and women stand together to speak out about male violence and abuse towards women, to bring debate and, ultimately, to make our streets and homes safer for women. All men can make a difference by thinking of their own behaviour, and being prepared to call out sexist and harassing behaviour when they see it.
“No woman should have to live with fear, there is no place for fear or abuse in our society. I call upon all men to take the White Ribbon Promise to never condone or stand for violence against any woman so that we can end violence against women once and for all.”
Chief Superintendent Dave Stringer, Metropolitan Police Borough Commander for Sutton, Croydon and Bromley, said: “I am absolutely committed to ensuring that perpetrators of violence against women and girls are brought to justice, that victims are supported and women are safe in both public and private spaces.”
What’s on
Thursday 25 November: White Ribbon Pledge signing event at the Sound Lounge on Sutton High Street Sound (216 – 220 High Street, SM1 1NU) to talk about the White Ribbon campaign and what it means; find support, advice and help; make the White Ribbon Promise (from 11am)
Thursday 25 November and Saturday 27 November: Visit our pop-up White Ribbon Support Hub in the St Nicholas Centre to talk to a host of partners who are supporting the White Ribbon campaign (9am – 5pm on the 25th and 11am – 4pm on the 27th)
Until 11 December: ‘Art Against Domestic Violence’ Exhibition: Showcasing artwork by local women who attended art wellbeing classes in support of survivors of domestic violence. Curated by Anna Virabyan of Intuit Art at the Honeywood Museum, Carshalton SM5 3NX
Transform Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop: Free, confidential, drop-in service for women experiencing domestic abuse in Sutton. Offering advice and support from a range of professionals (including an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA), police, Housing, Citizens Advice Bureau and a solicitor):
When: Every Wednesday, 9.30am – 11.30am (no appointment needed
Where: Sutton Baptist Church, 21 Cheam Road, Sutton, SM1 1SN
If you are a man affected by domestic abuse, or you are unable to attend the One Stop Shop, you can call Transform on 020 8092 7569 for advice and support between Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, or email [email protected]
