More than 150 residents and businesses attended an important event dedicated to ending men’s violence against women and girls, held on Wednesday 10 December at Bridlington Spa.
The event was held as part of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s White Ribbon Accreditation for the White Ribbon Campaign, a global campaign that calls to all, including men, to speak out and take action in preventing violence against women and girls.
The ‘East Riding Speaks Up’ event, linking to this years national We Speak Up theme from White Ribbon UK, brought together individuals, organisations, and services from across the region to raise awareness, share lived experiences and inspire action.
The day included impactful keynote speeches from Lisa Squire, mother of Libby Squire and founder of Libby’s Legacy and the It Does Matter campaign, as well as from Luke Medcalf from White Ribbon UK and Dave Brown from Community Vision, who shared insights into early intervention and prevention.
A panel session took place featuring speakers and local leaders, including East Riding of Yorkshire’s White Ribbon member champion, Councillor Zahra Saribal, and an afternoon roundtable discussion to explore practical steps forward.
Attendees were encouraged to sign a community pledge for action, to commit to change through training, campaigning and collaboration, with attendees committed to the White Ribbon Promise, to never commit, excuse, or remain silent about violence against women and girls.
Councillor Lyn Healing, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for communities and public protection said: “It was wonderful that residents and organisations from across our communities united for such a vital cause.
“We encourage more residents to find out about the campaign and sign up to the White Ribbon Promise.”
More information on the White Ribbon campaign can be found at https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/living/crime-and-community-safety/white-ribbon-campaign/
If you are experiencing issues around this topic please reach out. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 999 otherwise:
For support for anyone experiencing domestic violence or abuse, or wanting to change their harmful behaviours towards others in their relationships: East Riding Domestic Violence and Abuse Partnership can be found at https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/living/crime-and-community-safety/domestic-abuse/ or by calling 01482 396 358
