Plymouth City Council will commence the work required in order to seek the prestigious White Ribbon accreditation.
At today’s full council meeting (24 January), Councillor Nick Kelly announced the Council’s intention to work towards achieving White Ribbon UK accreditation, part of the global White Ribbon movement to end male violence against women.
White Ribbon are a leading charity aimed at ending male violence against women by engaging with men and boys to make a stand against violence. Their mission is for all men to fulfill the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.
The accreditation, demonstrates a commitment to improving organisational culture, safety and morale, and helps staff and communities address the serious issue of male violence against women.
The Council will now work on a White Ribbon accreditation plan, which will form part of a larger programme of work to address violence against women and girls in Plymouth. This includes the Safer Streets programme, which is a wide range of practical measures being introduced across the city, and setting up the innovative Violence Against Women and Girls Commission, which brings experts and key partners together to look at what more needs to be done.
Councillor Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “In recent weeks I have met with a number of local organisations who provide vital and valuable support to women and girls who are victims of violence at the hands of men in Plymouth. All have emphasised that the council must take this issue seriously. And we do.
"I have already established a Commission, which is working at pace. However, work must not stop whilst the Commission scrutinises what is being done in the City, and what needs to happen in the future. It is therefore vital that as a council we move forward with our plans to achieve White Ribbon accreditation.
“Achieving White Ribbon status as an organisation will further demonstrate that we are best placed to help our residents in combatting violence against women and girls, and we must champion this important issue. Our staff continue to work tirelessly for our residents, and this accreditation will demonstrate and enhance the skills and knowledge of our workforce in addressing violence at the hands of men in our communities.”
If you would like to provide your thoughts and experiences on Violence Against Women and Girls in Plymouth, directly to the Commission, please fill out this survey. The deadline is 15 February 2022.