Home Local News Lancashire County Council supports White Ribbon Day

Lancashire County Council supports White Ribbon Day

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Dr Sakhi Karunanithi White Ribbon Day
Dr Sakhi Karunanithi White Ribbon Day

Lancashire County Council is beginning 16 days of action to support White Ribbon Day on Thursday 25 November.

White Ribbon Day was established by men who wanted to stand up to abuse against women and girls after the horrific shooting of 14 female students at Montreal University, Canada, in 1989.

Following this horrific massacre, a group of men in London Ontario started the White Ribbon Day movement in November 1991. Since then, the event has grown and now people across the world mark the 16 days of action.

The White Ribbon Flag will fly above County Hall in Preston to mark this international event.

There will be White Ribbon Day messages on social media and campaign displays and large white ribbons at libraries in Accrington, Burnley, Chorley, Clitheroe, Colne, Fleetwood, Lancaster, Leyland, Preston (Harris), Rawtenstall, Skelmersdale and St Anne’s.

Banners will also be on display at County Hall and Lancashire Archives office in Preston and at Clitheroe Castle Museum.

Visitors to these venues will be able to pick up a badge and sign the White Ribbon promise to support the campaign.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “We’re encouraging everyone to support White Ribbon Day to take a stand against abuse of women and girls in their workplaces, schools, communities and families.

“From 25 November until 10 December, we’re running a number of activities on social media and at our libraries and office buildings to help spread the message.

“You can help us by wearing the white ribbon badge, signing the promise, or discussing the importance of the campaign with colleagues, friends, and family.

“We have a proud tradition of supporting this important campaign and we became the first White Ribbon accredited county in 2017.

“This year, we’re holding an international webinar linking in with the executive director of the campaign from Toronto, Canada where White Ribbon was founded on Thursday 25 November. Representatives from Lancashire Resilience Forum, the police and local community, voluntary and faith groups will also be joining as we work together to spread the White Ribbon message.”

White Ribbon links in with Lancashire Resilience Forum’s #NoExcuseforAbuse campaign, which focuses on tackling domestic abuse.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, director of public health and White Ribbon Ambassador for the county council, added: “White Ribbon Day aims to put an end to all forms of gender-based abuse and domestic abuse is part of this. Domestic abuse can affect people of all genders and ages and, unfortunately, reported incidents have increased during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, it’s crucial that you get help and support as quickly as possible. You can do this by visiting the #NoExcuseForAbuse website. Please contact the police in an emergency.”

For more information about White Ribbon Day, visit www.whiteribbon.org.uk

If you, or someone you know is suffering from abuse, please visit www.noexcuseforabuse.co.uk for more information.

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