Islington Council is encouraging all staff and members to wear white ribbons and join the campaign to eliminate violence against women.
Friday, 25 November marks the UN’s international day for the elimination of violence against women, as well as White Ribbon Day, which encourages men to campaign about violence against women.
One in four women experience domestic violence in their lifetime. The white ribbon campaign aims to challenge the acceptability of violence and offer hope for an end to violence against women and girls.
Early next year, the council will be publishing its new Violence Against Women and Girls strategy, which demands a strong partnership response from organisations across the borough.
The strategy will look at the importance of prevention, effective services and how to respond to complex pressures on individuals.
Islington council will not tolerate violence against women, and encourages staff from all departments, councillors and residents to support the white ribbon cause.
Executive member for finance, performance and community safety, Cllr Andy Hull, said: “Violence against women and girls is completely unacceptable.
“Islington Council will not tolerate such violence and works closely with organisations across the borough to help tackle the issue.”
Cllr Kaya Comer Schwartz, executive member for community development whose portfolio includes equalities, said: “I encourage all members of our staff and partners to recognise the importance of the objectives of the strategy.
“Wearing the White Ribbon should be the visible sign of our ongoing pledge to eliminate gender based violence.
“We all have a responsibility to help put an end to violence against women.”
For confidential advice or support relating to domestic violence you can call the freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 (run in partnership by Women’s Aid and Refuge). In an emergency, always dial 999. Anyone with information can call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For more information on violence against women and girls (VAWG) and all the council’s work on it, visit www.islington.gov.uk/vawg.

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