Uniting to show the red card on White Ribbon Day
Borough: Football club, council and charity campaign against abuse by men
The council is teaming up with a domestic abuse charity and a football club to combat violence against women and girls during the World Cup.
The Royal Borough, The Dash Charity and Maidenhead United FC are uniting for White Ribbon Day, which aims to tackle male abuse, harassment and violence towards females.
The trio’s campaign launches tomorrow (Friday) with a dedicated social media video starring male and female players from the football club, asking all men to challenge abusive attitudes, such as cat-calling, sexist comments and invading personal space.
Delivering the message ‘Let’s call it out to kick it out’, the video asks men to consider the consequences of allowing abusive attitudes and behaviours to go
unchallenged.
As this year’s White Ribbon Day coincides with the start of the World Cup, football has been chosen as the national theme.
White Ribbon Day encourages everyone to make the ‘White Ribbon Promise’ to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence towards women and girls.
Jon Adams, CEO of Maidenhead United FC, said: “Whilst anyone can be a victim of abuse, women and girls are more likely to experience violence and abuse, the effects of which can be devasting.
“We are proud to support White Ribbon Day and to join the team to end violence against women and girls.”
Nicola Miller, chief executive of The Dash Charity, said: “Both White Ribbon Day and the World Cup have fallen during a period of crisis for victims of domestic abuse.
“Across the UK, two women per week and 30 men per year lose their lives at the hands of a former or current partner.
“The Dash Charity provides the Royal Borough’s domestic abuse service, and demand for our services is at an all-time high.
“It’s up to everyone to take a stand and call out problem behaviours directed at women by men. Enough is enough.”
Councillor Stuart Carroll, cabinet member for health and mental health, said: “We are delighted to team up with The Dash Charity and Maidenhead United FC to help the important White Ribbon message to reach further, and encourage all men and everyone to call out abusive attitudes and behaviours which have absolutely no place in our communities.
“Everyone deserves to be treated with equality and respect regardless of gender. Sadly, a small minority of men let the side down, causing women and girls to feel fear and intimidation. If such behaviour goes unchallenged, the consequences are significant.
“The vast majority of men exhibit all the right behaviours and we all have a responsibility to do the right thing.
“We have excellent jointworking and initiatives locally to support community safety, but everyone has a part to play in tackling male violence, abuse and harassment towards women and girls.
“Violence and abuse of any sort has absolutely no place in our borough and we continue to take a zero tolerance approach.”
W Contact The Dash Charity via its website www.thedash charity.org.uk or call the helpline on 01753 549865 for support.