Peterborough raises White Ribbon Flag to show support for survivors of domestic abuse

Peterborough City Council has supported the White Ribbon UK charity since 2021 to encourage staff and communities to speak up against gender-based violence. This could be male violence towards women and girls but also male violence towards other men and boys.

As part of national White Ribbon Day, a special flag was raised outside the Town Hall in Bridge Street to show the council’s support of the initiative.

This was followed by a speech from the Mayor of Peterborough Cllr Judy Fox, as well as poem readings by Alex Tyler, the city’s Poet Laureate and Charis from Living Keys.

The flag raising also marks the launch of a 16-day period of Activism against gender-based violence, which people are encouraged to support by wearing a white ribbon.

“Domestic abuse affects one in four women and one in six men at some point in their lives and this must never be tolerated”

Cllr Judy Fox, Mayor of Peterborough City Council, said: "I would like to thank everyone who attended the ceremony and urge people to please support this worthwhile campaign. Domestic abuse affects one in four women and one in six men at some point in their lives and this must never be tolerated.

"Please wear your white ribbon throughout this period to show that you believe domestic abuse is wrong, that no one should ever remain silent about it."

"We all have a responsibility to speak out.”

Cambridgeshire Police also showed their support for the campaign.

Chief Constable Simon Megicks said the force was tackling violence against women and girls by protecting victims, challenging perpetrators, and working with partners.

He said: “Many abusers rely on silence. This year’s theme, ‘We Speak Up’, reminds us that silence allows abuse to continue – we all have a responsibility to speak out.”

The theme for White Ribbon Day this year is "We Speak Up," encouraging people to speak out against sexism and be active allies, with an emphasis on challenging behaviours like sexist jokes and catcalling that can lead to abuse.

The campaign aims to create a safer and more equal world for women and girls through various initiatives like educational workshops, social media campaigns using the hashtag #WeSpeakUp.

People are also encouraged to show their support by becoming White Ribon Ambassadors and Champions.

Where to get help

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is hosting a bystander virtual training session on Thursday 27 November 12.30 – 1pm as part of their 16 Days of Action programme.

The training will empower participants with vital skills to recognise and respond to harassment in public spaces and provide victims with support. For more information visit the Suzy Lamplugh Trust website at https://www.suzylamplugh.org/pages/events/category/events

Find out more by visiting the campaign’s website at https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/ambassadors-champions

Anyone experiencing abuse, or concerned about someone else, is urged to report it:

Call 999 in an emergency.

Call 101 for non-emergency advice and support.

Visit Cambridgeshire Police’s dedicated webpages at https://www.cambs.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/support-organisations/ for further help.