Cambridge City Council has retained its White Ribbon accreditation, reaffirming its commitment to ending male violence against women and girls and its continuous efforts to work towards changing the culture.
White Ribbon UK is the leading charity engaging men and boys to prevent violence against women. Since the council was first accredited with White Ribbon in 2015, its work to address the issue of male violence against women and girls has included:
- Ensuring that HR policies support council staff experiencing domestic abuse, and take action on perpetrators of abuse
- Making domestic abuse training available for council staff to make sure they know how to spot the signs of abuse and support people experiencing abuse
- Making sure adequate support and housing services are available for women and children experiencing/fleeing domestic abuse
- Appointing male White Ribbon ambassadors to raise awareness of the campaign and help other men and boys challenge violence against women and girls
- Investing in age-appropriate healthy relationships education in schools to prevent domestic abuse
- Raising awareness of domestic abuse and marking White Ribbon Day and the United Nations International Day to End Male Violence Against Women which takes place on 25 November every year.
In addition to its White Ribbon reaccreditation, the council also has Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) accreditation, for which it was only the fifth local authority to receive accreditation in December 2019, before being reaccredited in 2023.
The council also works with partners across Cambridgeshire to support those experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence and help to prevent these crimes. The council is part of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership, and the Cambridge Community Safety Partnership, and works closely with Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre.
Cllr Alice Gilderdale, Executive Councillor for Community Wealth Building and Community Safety said: “Unfortunately, the issue of women’s safety continues to be a big problem nationally and something that Cambridge residents care deeply about. As community leaders, it is essential that the city council works hard to end attitudes which enable domestic abuse and sexual violence to happen.
“I am proud of the work that has gone on to ensure the council retains its White Ribbon accreditation and thank all the staff and partners who have worked alongside us to achieve this. This is why it is essential we continue this work and encourage others to get behind the movement to end violence against women and girls.”
Cllr Mike Davey, Leader of the Council and White Ribbon Ambassador, said: “We have a duty of care over our residents, and we hope that anyone who faces violence or abuse feels confident enough to seek our support or the support of our partners.
“It is unacceptable that women and girls still face domestic abuse and sexual violence. We know that perpetrators are commonly men, so it is our role to challenge it – at work, with our friends, with our families and even when we are out in public, if we witness something that isn’t right. We must take a stand to protect each other.”
