White flag raised at Peterborough Town Hall for survivors of domestic abuse
It's for White Ribbon day.
A white flag has been raised above Peterborough Town Hall in support of survivors of domestic abuse.
It was raised at 10am this morning (Monday 25th November) on 'White Ribbon Day' - an international campaign to end male violence.
They're working alongside charity White Ribbon to encourage men to speak up against violence towards women and girls.
Peterborough City Council say they've been working with White Ribbon UK charity since 2021 to encourage staff and communities to help put a stop to male violence.
This could be towards women and girls but also towards other men and boys.
The Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor Marco Cereste and Mayoress Maddalena Cereste are at the ceremony outside the Town Hall.
Local specialist services Peterborough Women’s Aid, Peterborough Rape Crisis, and Living Keys are in attendance, with information on how they can support people who are subjected to domestic abuse and sexual violence.
There are also representatives from Cambridgeshire Constabulary, RAF Wittering, and other White Ribbon ambassadors from Peterborough City Council.
The theme for White Ribbon Day this year is ‘It Starts With Men’.
The campaign is highlighting that violence against women and girls is rooted in harmful masculine traits and encouraging people to address the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to a fear of violence for women in their day-to-day lives.
The event has been organised in preparation for the start of the annual 16 days of action against domestic abuse, which begins today.
'No one should ever remain silent'
Cllr Marco Cereste, Mayor of Peterborough City Council, said: "I would encourage everyone to come along to the ceremony, but if you can't attend, then please support this worthwhile campaign.
"Domestic abuse affects one in four women and one in six men at some point in their lives and this must not be tolerated.
"Please wear your white ribbon throughout this period to show that you believe domestic abuse is wrong, that no one should ever remain silent about it."
'Committed to ending domestic abuse'
Cllr John Howard, White Ribbon ambassador for Peterborough City Council, said: “We raise the White Ribbon Flag as a visual reminder that domestic abuse must not be tolerated and of our commitment to supporting those who have survived any kinds of violent abuse against them in our city.
"I would also like to thank the Mayor and Mayoress for supporting White Ribbon Day and marking the occasion for the city.
“Peterborough City Council and our partners in the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership are fully committed to ending domestic abuse and violence.
"We aim to reach out to all those who are suffering abuse and help them to access the help that are available to them locally."
'To transform harmful cultures'
On their website, charity White Ribbon say: "Violence against women and girls is rooted in harmful masculine norms.
"Starting with men, we must address the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to a fear of violence for women in their day-to-day lives.
"This White Ribbon Day, we’re encouraging men to hold themselves accountable to women, and to each other, so we can affect positive behaviour change to transform harmful cultures.
"Gender equality is key to making this culture change happen. Gender equality is achievable if men and boys understand and assume their responsibility as allies."
Support is available
Find out more about the support available in Cambridgeshire here.
Impakt Domestic Abuse Service support victims of all genders and sexualities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and can be contacted directly on 0300 373 1073.
To find out more about Peterborough Women’s Aid visit here.
You can also access information from Cambridge and Peterborough Rape Crisis Partnership here.
Living Keys can be contacted via Facebook.