Men asked to speak out against violence towards women

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle

The UN International White Ribbon Day (25 November), which aims to eliminate violence against women, is now in its 16th year and uses a white ribbon as a symbol of a world where women can live free from the fear of violence. It is the largest effort in the world of men working to end men's violence against women.

The Greater Manchester campaign has the support of well-known men from the region’s business and sporting communities including boxer Scott Quigg, barber Johnny Shanahan, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle and members of Greater Manchester’s emergency services, who have been filmed pledging their commitment to end violence against women.

One in four women across the UK will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime and, on average, two women are killed by a current or former partner in England every week.

Greater Manchester Police Detective Chief Inspector Nicky Porter said: “Today is an opportunity to publicise what sadly remains a hidden crime, and happens much more than people think. There is never an excuse for violence against women and by taking the pledge these men vow never to condone it, or to stand by and allow it to happen.

“International White Ribbon Day shows current and past victims that they are not alone and that there are agencies out there that can and will help them. We must make speaking out and challenging violence against women a priority.

“We recently launched our new campaign to encourage friends, family members and neighbours to speak out if they see or hear about domestic abuse.

“We will continue to work hard to end violence against women and will ensure that victims, their friends and family are protected if they report these horrific crimes that no one should suffer.”

Greater Manchester Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle said: “White Ribbon Day is a day when men are called on to make a stand against domestic abuse. The challenge to all men is if you see it, if you hear it, don’t stay silent.

“We all have to take responsibility for supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse and be united in the condemnation of perpetrators. Our pledge today, and every day, is to speak out and help end the fear of domestic abuse.”

For more information, whether you are a victim, friend, family member of neighbour please visit: www.gmp.police.uk/domesticabuse.

To contact your local domestic abuse unit call the GMP switchboard on 101. In an emergency where there is an immediate threat to life or property always call 999.