Ending domestic violence against women and girls is Northumberland County Council goal

The council and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service has raised the White Ribbon flag to support the global 16 Days of Action campaign.

The campaign is running from November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, until December 10, International Human Rights Day.

Events will take place over the next 16 days to raise awareness of the support available for anyone experiencing gender-based violence or domestic abuse, through the council’s Integrated Domestic Abuse Support Service. This is provided by Harbour, NDAS, Acorns and Cygnus Support.

The start of the campaign also falls in the same week as the start of the FIFA men's World Cup. Despite the theme being about coming together as a team to achieve the goal, domestic abuse is predicted to rise each time England play a match.

Cllr Wendy Pattison, cabinet member with responsibility for adults' well-being, said: “One in four women and one in six men world-wide will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. Domestic abuse has long lasting impacts on health and well-being. But we want all survivors of domestic abuse to know - you are not alone.

“Here in Northumberland, there are lots of brilliant people and organisations here to support you. Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing lots of information about them, so that everyone knows who to contact if they need support.

“The council is proud to support White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Action as we want Northumberland to be a safe place for everyone.

“We hope that others will join us and pledge action on White Ribbon Day and during the 16 Days in your workplace, school, sports club, local pub and bars, and communities.

“Together we can unite as team and to work towards ending violence against women and girls.”

White Ribbon Day 2022 is encouraging everyone, especially men and boys, to make the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women and girls. #MakeThePromise here.