Local leaders rally together in fight against gender based violence
They say the matter needs tackled urgently
Last updated 9th Nov 2023
A local campaign effort to end gendered violence against women and girls is stepping up.
The Dumfries and Galloway White Ribbon Campaign (DGWRC) operates under White Ribbon Scotland, and the wider international movement to end men’s violence against women and girls.
The effort will be led by a new White Ribbon Steering Group for the region, chaired by Police Superintendent John Cairns, and Vice-chaired by Dumfries Prison Governor Andy Hunstone.
Two new ambassadors have also been appointed, with Jeff Ace and Dawn Roberts both taking key roles.
As Chief Executives of NHS Dumfries & Galloway and the local Council respectively, the new ambassadors say they’re keen to use their reach as two of the regions largest employers.
Awareness is key
Pleased to be on board with the effort, Dawn Roberts says: “Violence against women and girls is a world pandemic affecting all parts of our society including Dumfries and Galloway.
“I would like to take the opportunity to encourage Dumfries and Galloway Council staff to support the campaign and where possible, train as White Ribbon Speakers and help us raise awareness.
“Working together we can challenge violence against women and girls in Dumfries and Galloway.”
Similarly, Jeff Ace says the matter must be treated with utmost severity: “Our ambition must be to completely stop violence against women and girls in Dumfries and Galloway.
“The Dumfries and Galloway White Ribbon initiative gives us the best chance of working across agencies to eliminate this violence, and the behaviours that can create it.
“We need to listen to the voices of women and girls and coordinate action to address their concerns.
“In NHS D&G we have a largely female workforce and I know that colleagues will join me in supporting this campaign to make rapid and substantial improvement.”
The DGWRC hopes to raise awareness of all forms of gender based violence and violence against women and girls, considering the direct impact on victims, as well as society more generally.
It’s hoped the effort will challenge thought systems, accepted norms, attitudes, values, and beliefs that currently underpin violence.
A key part of the campaign is the training and recruitment of White Ribbon Speakers who will latterly deliver talks throughout the region, to raise awareness around the matter.
Everyone can get onboard with the effort
The public are encouraged to show support for the White Ribbon campaign in a number of ways:
- Wearing a White Ribbon and signing the campaign pledge to never commit, condone, or remain silent about any form of violence against women or girls
- Sign up to become a White Ribbon speaker, through free training
- Becoming a White Ribbon Champion and support campaign development in workplaces, clubs, or places of worship
For anyone who wants to find out more, questions can be sent to WhiteRibbon@dumgal.gov.uk.