Parkruns turn orange on White Ribbon Day
27 Nov 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
For more information about White Ribbon and Northumberland’s Integrated Domestic Abuse Support Service visit: nland.cc/DomesticAbuse
Parkruns across Northumberland turned orange on Saturday 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 began 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.
Teams from the council, its partners and community volunteers, including Young Leaders from Leading Link, marshalled the routes to raise awareness about the White Ribbon campaign and Northumberland’s Integrated Domestic Abuse Support Service which is provided by Harbour, NDAS, Acorns and Cygnus Support.
Hundreds of runners showed their support by wearing a touch of orange.
Cllr Wendy Pattison, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Caring for Adults, said: “We would like to thank everyone who showed their support for the campaigns during the parkrun takeovers.
"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 Activism 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.
For more information about White Ribbon and Northumberland’s Integrated Domestic Abuse Support Service visit: nland.cc/DomesticAbuse