Northumberland County Council and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service raised the White Ribbon flag to mark the start of an annual campaign to end domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.  
 

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, known as White Ribbon Day, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.  
 

The council received White Ribbon accreditation in 2021 following approval by the organisation of its three-year plan and zero-tolerance approach to domestic abuse and sexual violence.  
 

Cllr Wendy Pattison, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Caring for Adults, 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 wellbeing. But we want all survivors of domestic abuse to know - you are not alone.   
 

“Domestic abuse comes in many shapes and forms and here in Northumberland, there are lots of brilliant people and organisations here to support you. Over the next 16 days, we will be sharing lots of information about them, so that everyone knows where they can find that 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 need people in our organisations and communities to call out abusive and sexist behaviour among their friends, colleagues and communities to promote a culture of equality and respect. 
 

 “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.”  
 

This year, the White Ribbon campaign is encouraging individuals and organisations to make consistent choices and actions to #ChangeTheStory for women and girls, so that they may live their lives free from the fear of violence.  
 

Violence and abuse experienced by women and girls takes many forms. Some behaviours and words may seem ‘harmless’ but normalising them ignores the short- and long-term effects on women and can lead to more extreme violence.  
 

Being allies with women every day shouldn’t be underestimated — even the smallest actions can affect big change. 
 

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service White Ribbon Ambassador, Chief Fire Officer Graeme Binning, said: "It is really important to raise the flag today and also to recognise that every day the spirit of White Ribbon is important. 
 

 "I aspire to be a male role model, to proudly wear my white ribbon as a reminder that as a male in the Fire and Rescue Service, as part of Northumberland County Council and as part of civic society, that violence against women in any form is unacceptable and something no one should remain silent on. 
 

 "Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service is proud to contribute in making a positive difference in changing the story and achieving equality and safety for women and girls across the county."  
 

The council is proud to work with a fantastic group of partners to deliver an Integrated Domestic Abuse Service for residents in the county: Harbour, Acorns, NDAS, Cygnus Support, and Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland for those who have experienced sexual violence. 
 

All share a commitment to supporting the survivors of domestic abuse, their children, and offering support to perpetrators to change their harmful behaviour. 
 

Over the next 16 Days events will take place across the county to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the support available.