Fire service backing anti-violence campaign
The North East’s fire and rescue chief has today called for communities to come together and say ‘No’ to violence against women.
Chief Fire Officer at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), Chris Lowther, has made the pledge in support of White Ribbon Day – backed by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness.
The international campaign is now in its seventeenth year and is led by men who are calling for an end to violence against women.
The awareness day is to be followed by ‘16 Days of Action’ - with this year’s leading message being #AllMenCan.
Mr Lowther said: “Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is proud to play an important role in White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Action.
“We actively promote openness and diversity, support the integrity of the campaign all year round and we urge our male firefighters, staff and crew to identify and action the White Ribbon Promise and we hope our communities can get behind it too.”
Ms McGuinness, said: “Violence against women and girls is not a women’s issue. It’s not about us, as women, keeping ourselves safe.
"Society needs men speaking out about male violence, challenging it, committing to ending it.
"This is why White Ribbon is so valuable.
"The message is gaining momentum and we must seize this.
"Ignoring a problem only means it gets worse. We have to work to prevent it and we will.”
TWFRS will be delivering and attending both internal and external events alongside partners to show their support for White Ribbon Day.