The Safer Slough Partnership is supporting White Ribbon Day and the 16 days of activism to raise awareness of male violence against women and girls.
White Ribbon Day, which is on 25 November, is an annual event and a call to action for men to work to positively change harmful cultures, attitudes and behaviours so all women and girls can live without the fear of violence or harassment.
During the 16 days of activism, our community safety team will be handing out White Ribbons at a football match at Arbour Park, along with leaflets about domestic abuse and where to go for support.
They have distributed posters to pubs and venues in Slough to help spread awareness and to show what actions everyone can take to protect women and girls from violence.
In Observatory House, the council’s headquarters, they will be handing out White Ribbons and raising awareness of period poverty by supplying sanitary products and information in the bathrooms.
The team has also partnered with the charity Art Beyond Belief, who have worked with survivors of domestic abuse to create healing art.
An art exhibition will open with a launch event at Gallery in The Curve, on Tuesday 26 November at 11am, and it can be seen throughout the whole 16 days of activism, until 10 December, which is Human Rights Day.
Councillor Ishrat Shah, lead member for equalities, public health and public protection, said: “We recognise that men can be victims of domestic abuse, but this campaign aims to highlight the disproportionate impact of male violence against women.
“Men can be allies and make the White Ribbon promise to never use, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women.
“I’m pleased the team is highlighting this important issue. If you get a chance, do visit the art exhibition created by survivors of violence.”
The council has recently created new domestic abuse and serious violence strategies, along with quick read seven-minute briefings on the topics of anti-social behaviour, cuckooing, domestic abuse, FGM, honour-based abuse, modern slavery and serious violence. Find them online.
Visit the White Ribbon Day website to find out more about the campaign.