Join the Campaign to End Domestic Abuse Against Women and Girls

South Tyneside residents are being encouraged to support a campaign aimed at eliminating abuse against women and girls.

This Saturday (25 November) is White Ribbon Day which seeks to highlight and end male violence against women and girls with a programme of awareness raising and campaigning and with a particular focus on the need to engage with men and boys.

South Shields Town Hall will be lit up white on Saturday and will then be lit up in orange to mark the first and last days of the following 16 days of activism.

Men will be encouraged to wear a white ribbon all year round and make the White Ribbon Promise to never use, excuse, or remain silent about men's violence against women.

People can collect a White Ribbon to show their support for the campaign from South Shields Town Hall receptions, Jarrow Town Hall, The Word, Jarrow Focus, Action Stations, Hebburn Central, and Haven Point.

Councillor Ruth Berkley, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence, said: "This year we are encouraging everybody to get involved in the campaign so that all women and girls can live their lives free from the fear of violence.

"By wearing a white ribbon, we can demonstrate our support for the cause and start important conversations with one another with the ultimate aim of driving abuse against women and girls from our communities for good."

Both South Tyneside Council and South Tyneside Homes became White Ribbon accredited organisations last year. A number of staff have already signed up as White Ribbon Ambassadors and Champions to challenge sexist attitudes and behaviour wherever they see it - but the Council is seeking more people to sign up and will offer training on the issue.

The Council's domestic abuse strategy and service recognise all victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse and aims to promote healthy relationships for all people and communities.

Anyone affected by domestic abuse can get help and support from Restart Domestic Abuse Service which provides confidential, non-judgemental support to those living and working in South Tyneside who are experiencing all forms of domestic abuse.  Support is available for both male and female victims of abuse, children who have been impacted by domestic abuse and a tailored behaviour change programme for anyone who is causing harm.  Contact be made via domesticabusereferrals@southtyneside.gov.uk or call 07977595910.

In an emergency, victims are always urged to call 999.

Members will receive an update on the work undertaken by the Domestic Abuse Partnership Board and the Restart service at next week's Borough Council meeting.