Town makes stand against domestic violence

The project concentrates on involving men in preventative activities to alter social norms which can lead to physical abuse of women and girls.

The campaign’s flag will be flown outside council buildings and Rotherham United’s match with Blackpool in December will be designated a White Ribbon match.

Chief Insp Ian Womersley, who is leading the project, said: “The campaign raises awareness that most men are not violent towards women, but many of them ignore the problem, or see it as something which doesn't have anything to do with them.

“It advocates that men need to join women and women’s organisations in taking action to end the problem. This campaign is about men saying it to other men.”

Three million women and girls are subjected to rape, domestic abuse, sexual exploitation, forced marriage, stalking and honour crimes in the UK each year.

The vast majority of this violence against women is perpetrated by men.

Rotherham joins 40 other towns who have gained the nationally-recognised White Ribbon Campaign Award, demonstrating its commitment to reducing violence.

Partners involved include South Yorkshire Police, Rotherham Borough Council, Rotherham United,  Integrated Youth Support Services, Street Pastors, Apna Haq and the YMCA.

A number of events are planned to boost the campaign and seven people have put themselves forward as White Ribbon ambassadors for the town

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Stay safe over winter

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