Bid to end violence against women

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has pledged to support a campaign aimed at tackling harassment, abuse and violence.

The service promised to support the White Ribbon Campaign to coincide with International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The campaign was founded in 2005 and works to challenge male cultures that lead to harassment, abuse and violence.

Support for the campaign was made on the day that the service announced that it has achieved White Ribbon Accreditation, showing its commitment to working towards ending male violence against women.

To achieve White Ribbon Accreditation an organisation must produce a challenging three-year action plan which covers raising awareness, changing culture, and specifically engaging with men and boys.

While all genders can experience domestic violence and abuse, the White Ribbon campaign was created by men and is aimed at men, to ensure that they take more responsibility for reducing levels of abuse against women.

It focuses on the belief that change will only occur when men accept their responsibility to make changes. The service teamed up with Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness and Northumbria Police to sign the promise in support of the campaign, which was founded.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer, Chris Lowther said:“It is essential that all men take a stand against violence towards women.”