Raising awareness of domestic abuse with White Ribbon Day and 16 days of action campaigns

Together with our charity partner Key Unlocking Futures, we are asking people to support 'White Ribbon Day on the 25th of November and 16 Days of Action two international campaigns to raise awareness of violence against women and girls.

Over the 16 Days of Action, which starts on Monday, 25 November, also White Ribbon Day, and ends on Tuesday 10 December, Human Rights Day, we will be sharing messages on our social media pages to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the support available to victims. The campaign pledge and information have also been added to our work vans to help spread the message and the support available.

Awareness training has also been provided to our frontline colleagues and special flag-raising events have taken place at local council offices, highlighting joint working to end domestic violence.  

Colleagues from Key's South Ribble and Chorley Women's Refuges will be at South Ribble Borough Council's Civic Centre and in Morrisons in Leyland throughout the 16 days, encouraging members of the public to show their support of the campaigns by wearing a white ribbon badge made by the women and children staying at the refuges. They will be available to talk to anyone who would like support or wants more information on the service.

In support of the campaigns, Progress Housing Group Chief Executive Jacqui De-Rose said: "The White Ribbon and the 16 Days of Action campaigns give us a great platform to spread the message that anyone can be affected by domestic abuse, and that help, and support is available.

We want to reach as many people as possible to highlight what domestic abuse is and how people who may be suffering in silence can get the help they need."

#It Starts with Men is the leading message for this year's campaign. Whilst not all men commit violence against women all men do have a role in helping to end it.  For more information on the White Ribbon Campaign, visit www.whiteribbon.org.uk

For Lancashire-based support, please go to Key Unlocking Futures website www.keycharity.org.uk or call the South Ribble and Chorley domestic abuse helpline on 01772 435865 for free, confidential advice seven days a week.

Alternatively, the free National Domestic Abuse Helpline is open 24 hours a day, on 0808 200024 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.

South Ribble Women's Refuge opened its doors in 2000 and has provided a safe haven to over 1000 women and their children. Ran by Key Unlocking Futures they also provide community outreach services, supporting women and their children living in the community. More information about the support they provide is available at www.keyunlockingfutures.co.uk