Northumberland County Council is proud to be supporting White Ribbon Day and the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign  
 

Monday 25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day, and marks the start of 16 Days of Activism that ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day. 
 

The council will also be raising awareness of the support available to anyone affected by domestic abuse.  
 

Eight women in England and Wales are killed each month by a current or former partner. 
 

One in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. 
 

More than 105,000 children are living in homes where there is high-risk domestic abuse. 
 

A programme of events is planned across the county to empower communities and professionals with the information and training they need to be able to drive cultural change and find the right support if they need it.  
 

Events include parkrun takeovers, public information drop-ins, awareness raising activities in our Family Hubs and training sessions for professionals.  
 

As a White Ribbon accredited organisation, representatives from the Council and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service will raise the White Ribbon Flag outside County Hall in Morpeth and invite individuals and organisations across the county to join them in making the White Ribbon promise never to use, excuse or remain silent about men's violence against women.
 

Northumberland County Councillor, Wendy Pattison, Cabinet member for Caring for Adults, said: “We want Northumberland to be a safe place for everyone.  

 

“By working together, we can end the culture that allows violence against women and girls and domestic abuse to continue.   

  

“We can all contribute to this in our own way, and I hope that through this programme of activities as many people as possible will get involved.” 

This year’s White Ribbon campaign theme is “It starts with MEn” and highlights the role of men in changing the culture that allows violence against women and girls to take place.  
 

The council’s Family Hubs are also supporting a second theme of the campaign developed specially for children and young people and will be sharing the message - “Kindness Starts with Me.” 
 

As well as holding awareness raising activities, they are inviting people to join them in painting and hiding rocks across the county to share messages of kindness and hope for a brighter future. 
 

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service White Ribbon Ambassador, Chief Fire Officer Graeme Binning, said: "I 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 to making a positive difference and achieving equality and safety for women and girls across the county."