Police boss backs White Ribbon Day

North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe and her team have become a White Ribbon supporter organisation, making a promise to never use, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women and girls.

White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end Violence Against Women and Girls, with a mission to prevent violence against women and girls by addressing its root causes.

Commissioner Zoë and her office have committed to raise awareness of the long-established and harmful attitudes, systems and behaviours around masculinitythatperpetuategender inequality,encouragepeople to make the White Ribbon Promise, and help to prevent violence against women and girls before it starts.

Commissioner Zoë said: “I am proud that our organisation now officially supports the work of White Ribbon UK and is part of a national approach to tackle men’s violence against women and girls.

“While my team are making an official White Ribbon Commitment on White Ribbon Day, it’s important to highlight that the work my office do to address violence against women and girls continues 365 days a year.”

As part of the official commitment, a male leader within the organisation is encouraged to become a White Ribbon Ambassador and Simon Dennis, chief executive and monitoring officer at the Commissioner’s Office has taken on this role.

He said: “As a male leader within the Commissioner’s Office, I see it as my personal responsibility both inside and outside work, to call out abusive and sexist behaviour among men and boys and to promote a culture of equality, inclusivity and respect.”