Rossendale Borough Council backs 2021 White Ribbon Campaign 

Council launches targeted action in support of the campaign to end male violence against women 

Rossendale Borough Council is supporting the stand to end male violence against women with 16 days of online campaigning to mark White Ribbon Day (25 November). 

White Ribbon is a global campaign that encourages people, and especially men and boys, to individually and collectively take action, and change the behaviour and culture that leads to abuse and violence. This year, the campaign is asking its supporters to take part in 16 days of action on social media – using the hashtag #AllMenCan – to get as many men as possible to make the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. 

The Council received a White Ribbon accreditation last year, and in response introduced a targeted action plan for all its staff and members. This includes awareness raising training for all staff and recruiting people to act as ambassadors and champions to spread the message and raising awareness locally. 

Cllr Steve Hughes, Cabinet member for Communities, said: ‘Last year we made an important promise to take a lead in ending male violence amongst women. Sadly, this violence remains largely hidden and it is essential that we all do whatever we can to speak out, and to stop the behaviours and culture that leads to abuse and violence. 

“As part of our ongoing White Ribbon Action Plan, we’ll be using our Social Media platforms to raise awareness amongst our citizens and communities, and ask them to promise to never commit, excuse, or remain silent about male violence against women. Our wish is that as many people as possible make this promise and that together, we can make a real difference.” 

More than 100 organisations have received White Ribbon accreditation, including councils, police forces, fire and rescue services, health authorities, housing associations, schools, and universities. There is also a scheme for smaller organisations to become White Ribbon supporters. 

More information about the scheme can be found here www.whiteribbon.org.uk