Lancashire joins 16 days of global action tackling violence against women and girls

Leaders across Lancashire are joining 16 days of global action tackling violence against women and girls.

From April 2019 to March 2020 over twenty one thousand domestic abuse related crimes were recorded by Lancashire Police.

It's as today marks White Ribbon Day which was established by men who wanted to stand up to abuse against women and girls after the horrific shooting of 14 female students at Montreal University, Canada, in 1989.

Following this horrific massacre, a group of men in London Ontario started the White Ribbon Day movement in November 1991. Since then, the event has grown and now people across the world mark the 16 days of action.

The White Ribbon Flag will fly above County Hall in Preston to mark this international event.

The Blackpool Tower will also light up white tonight and for the 16 days of action, a White Ribbon flag will be hoisted above the Town Hall, a White Ribbon tableau will be situated on the prom and the dome of the Winter Gardens will also light up.

There will also be White Ribbon Day messages on social media and campaign displays and large white ribbons at libraries in Accrington, Burnley, Chorley, Clitheroe, Colne, Fleetwood, Lancaster, Leyland, Preston (Harris), Rawtenstall, Skelmersdale and St Anne's.

Banners will also be on display at County Hall and Lancashire Archives office in Preston and at Clitheroe Castle Museum.

Visitors to these venues will be able to pick up a badge and sign the White Ribbon promise to support the campaign.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: "We're encouraging everyone to support White Ribbon Day to take a stand against abuse of women and girls in their workplaces, schools, communities and families.

"From 25 November until 10 December, we're running a number of activities on social media and at our libraries and office buildings to help spread the message.

"You can help us by wearing the white ribbon badge, signing the promise, or discussing the importance of the campaign with colleagues, friends, and family.

"We have a proud tradition of supporting this important campaign and we became the first White Ribbon accredited county in 2017.

"This year, we're holding an international webinar linking in with the executive director of the campaign from Toronto, Canada where White Ribbon was founded on Thursday 25 November. Representatives from Lancashire Resilience Forum, the police and local community, voluntary and faith groups will also be joining as we work together to spread the White Ribbon message."

White Ribbon links in with Lancashire Resilience Forum's #NoExcuseforAbuse campaign, which focuses on tackling domestic abuse.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, director of public health and White Ribbon Ambassador for the county council, added: "White Ribbon Day aims to put an end to all forms of gender-based abuse and domestic abuse is part of this. Domestic abuse can affect people of all genders and ages and, unfortunately, reported incidents have increased during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, it's crucial that you get help and support as quickly as possible. You can do this by visiting the #NoExcuseForAbuse website. Please contact the police in an emergency."